A Targeted and Tailored eHealth Weight Loss Program for Young Women: The Be Positive Be Healthe Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Young women are gaining weight rapidly. Evidence for effective weight loss interventions targeting young women is lacking. This randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy and acceptability of a six-month targeted and tailored eHealth weight loss program for young women (Be Positive Be Healthe (BPBH)). Women aged 18–35 years were randomized to BPBH (n = 29) or control (n = 28). BPBH supported participants to modify diet and physical activity behaviours using evidenced-based strategies (e.g., self-monitoring) tailored for young women and delivered using e-health (website, social media, smartphone application, email, text messages). The primary outcome was a change in weight (kg) at six months. Acceptability was assessed via a process evaluation survey and usage of intervention components. No significant between-group differences were observed for weight, with significant mean differences favouring the intervention group observed for body fat (kg) (−3.10 (−5.69, 0.52), p = 0.019) and intakes of alcohol (g) (−0.69 (−1.33, 0.04), p = 0.037), vegetables (% energy/day) (4.71 (−2.20, 7.22), p < 0.001) and energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods (% energy/day) (−9.23 (−16.94, 1.52), p = 0.018). Retention, intervention usage and satisfaction were moderate. BPBH facilitated positive improvements in body fat and dietary intake, but not weight. Intervention acceptability findings support the use of some intervention components (e.g., Facebook, Smartphone app) with young women.

Which behaviour change techniques within interventions to prevent weight gain and/or initiate weight loss improve adiposity outcomes in young adults? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Of the 51 included studies, a total of 43 measured change in weight, with 41 of these having an objective measure of weight and two using a self‐report measure for weight . This includes 19 studies from the meta‐analysis and a further 24 studies that reported weight as an outcome with results in a format that was not compatible for inclusion in the meta‐analysis.…”

“…A total of 36 studies measured changed in BMI, with 32 of these using an objective measure for BMI, while four studies used self‐report measures for BMI . This includes the 20 studies from the meta‐analysis and a further 16 studies that reported BMI as an outcome, but results were not comparable and therefore not included in the meta‐analysis.…”

“…Of these 36 studies, statistically significant between‐group reductions in BMI were reported in 11 studies, as shown in Table S2. Of the 36 studies, 11 were weight loss interventions and 25 were weight‐gain prevention interventions . Specifically, for the weight loss interventions, 3 of the 11 (27%) demonstrated a significant reduction in BMI when compared with control .…”

“…When all studies were considered, there were a total of 16 studies that measured changes in waist circumference . This includes the 10 studies from the meta‐analysis and a further six studies that reported waist circumference as an outcome, but results were not comparable and therefore not included in the meta‐analysis.…”

“…A total of 14 studies measured body fat mass (BFM) as either kilograms and/or percentage difference . Of these, two studies demonstrated a significant intervention effect when compared with control . Both of these studies were gender‐tailored with the first being a weight‐gain prevention study that was specific to young adult men .…”