A randomized controlled pilot study testing three types of health coaches for obesity treatment: Professional, peer, and mentor

Abstract

Despite their popularity, empirical support for health coaches is limited. This study examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of 3 types of coaching models for obesity treatment. Participants (N=44) were randomized to 6 months of reduced intensity group behavioral weight loss (rBWL) plus 1 of 3 types of health coaches: a) Professional (rBWL interventionist); b) Peer (group members randomly paired and coached one another); or c) Mentor (successful weight loser). Groups met weekly for the first 6-weeks, biweekly for the next 6-weeks, and monthly thereafter, for a total of 12 meetings. During weeks that group did not meet, participants emailed their weight loss information to their coach and received feedback. Coaches were trained on appropriate coaching strategies and feedback delivery. Retention was 95%. Participants emailed their progress to their coach 10.8±1.9 out of the 12 weeks that there were no group meetings. Coaches responded with feedback 94% of the time. Percent weight losses at 6-months were 9.6±8.1, 9.1±5.0, and 5.7±5.6 for the Professional, Peer, and Mentor conditions, respectively. More participants in the Professional and Peer conditions lost 10% of their initial body weight (Professional: 56%; Peer: 50%; Mentor: 17%), with a statistically significant difference between the Professional and Mentor conditions (p=0.03). These preliminary data suggest that combining a reduced intensity BWL program with health coaching may hold significant promise as a costeffective obesity treatment paradigm. Larger trials are needed to conclusively determine whether adding coaches improves weight loss outcomes in reduced intensity treatments and to examine which type of coach is most effective.

A randomized controlled trial testing an Internet delivered cost–benefit approach to weight loss maintenance

“…[45] However, one of the major drawbacks of this model is that the provision of constant care is expensive and unrealistic in the current healthcare system. Findings from this trial and our previous work[17] suggest that a new approach – peer coaching – may be an excellent model to provide continuous support for weight control. Moreover, unlike professional support, peer coaches have the inherent capacity to provide support and reinforcement indefinitely .…”

“…The cost-benefit interventions included treatment components that were designed to sustain benefits for engaging in weight management behaviors over time –namely, financial incentives and social reinforcement from either a professional or peer coach as well as approaches designed to reduce boredom and thus behavioral costs. The primary hypothesis was that both cost-benefit approaches, regardless of coach type,[17] would yield significantly less weight regain compared to the standard approach over the 10 month maintenance program.…”

Facilitators and Barriers to Participation in a Peer Support Intervention for Veterans With Chronic Pain

“…They found that, compared to being partnered with either a health care professional or a peer who was still struggling with weight loss, patients who were paired with a “mentor” (i.e., a peer who had successfully lost weight) experienced poorer weight loss outcomes. 26 It is possible that being “too successful” at weight loss could foster judgment from peer coaches or feelings of inferiority on the part of the person being mentored (whether intentional or unintentional). Likewise, it is possible that peer coaches who are “too good” at pain self-management might not be as effective as peer coaches who still struggle to some degree.…”

Workplace Wellness Champions: Lessons Learned and Implications for Future Programming

“…Several studies have documented the impact that social ties can have on our health (Aoun, Sainsbury, Mullan, & Shahid, 2017;Christakis & Fowler, 2007;McPherson, Joseph, & Sullivan, 2004;Leahey & Wing, 2012;Locock, Dopson, Chambers, & Gabbay, 2001). A study by Escoffery, Kegler, and Alcantara (2011) found that naturally occurring support from workplace peers was important in encouraging changes in eating and weight among employees in small, rural worksites in Georgia.…”