The talent study: a multicentre randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of a ‘tailored lifestyle self-management intervention’ (talent) on weight reduction

Abstract

BackgroundOverweight is considered an important risk factor for diseases in the context of metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle modifications are the means of choice to reduce weight in persons with a Body Mass Index of 28 to 35. The study examines whether there are any differences between two intervention strategies regarding weight reduction in overweight persons.Methods/DesignThe study is a multicentre randomized controlled trial with observation duration of 12 months. Eight study centres are involved to include a minimal sample size of 150 participants. Randomization ratio is 2:1. Feasible persons are checked according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and after given informed consent are assigned randomly to one of two intervention programs: A) intervention group: comprehensive lifestyle modification program (Individual Health Management IHM) with 3 months reduction phase plus 9 months maintaining phase, B) control group: written information with advice for healthy food habits (Usual care UC). Participants of the IHM group have access to a web-based health portal and join 3 full-day and 10 two-hour training sessions during the first 3 months. During the remaining 9 months four refresh trainings will be performed. There are 3 different diet strategies (fasting, two-day diet, meal replacement) for free choice. Participants of the control group are provided with acknowledged rules for healthy food according to the German Nutrition Society (DGE). Examinations are conducted at baseline, after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. They include body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, laboratory findings and a bio-impedance analysis to measure body composition. Statistical analysis of the primary outcome ‘change of body weight after 12 months’ is based on ITT population including analysis of variance of the weight differences between month 0 and 12 with the factors ‘group’, ‘baseline value’ and ‘study centre’. Secondary outcomes will be analyzed exploratively.DiscussionThe monitoring of the study will implement different measures to enhance compliance, avoid attrition and ensure data quality. Based on a blended learning concept and using web-based e-health tools the program promises to achieve sustainable effects in weight reduction.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register Freiburg (DRKS): DRKS00006736 (date registered 20/09/2014).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40608-015-0069-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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“…Due to this ongoing developmental process, a systematic evaluation of the programme's effects is, at the present time, not feasible. However, a randomised controlled study to confirm the efficacy of the IHM on weight control is currently being conducted in Bavarian spa-regions [39]. This multicentre study is designed for 150 overweight subjects (BMI 28-35).…”

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