Together Eating & Activity Matters (TEAM): results of a pilot randomized‐clinical trial of a spousal support weight loss intervention for Black men

Abstract

SummaryObjectivesThe objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, participation, preliminary efficacy and retention in a couples‐based weight loss intervention among Black men.Design, setting, participantsTwo‐arm pilot randomized clinical trial in an academic clinical setting. Forty self‐identified Black men and their female cohabitating partners (n = 80) aged 18 to 65 years with body mass index from 25 to 45 kg/m2 were randomized using computer generated tables to allocate treatments.InterventionParticipants were randomized to a standard behavioural weight loss (Standard) programme or the Standard programme plus partner involvement (Enhanced). Both interventions focused on calorie reduction, physical activity and self‐monitoring to facilitate weight loss. Enhanced included couples skills training and couple's communication components.Main outcome and measuresChanges in weight from baseline to 3 months among men. Partner weight loss (secondary).ResultsForty Black couples (men mean [SD] age, 47.4[11] years; body mass index, 35.0[6.1]), were recruited. Retention was 100% of the men and 98% of female partners. Attendance at group sessions was 63–73%. Between groups, mean (SD) weight changes among men were −3.4[.04] and −4.7[5.9] kg (p = 0.57) and among women −0.23[4.46] and −2.47[3.62] kg (p = 0.09), in the standard and enhanced groups.ConclusionsWeight losses from an intervention enhanced by partner involvement and an intervention with no partner involvement were not different. Treatment choice can be based on preference rather than outcome as both treatments are effective in producing clinically significant percent weight loss.Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT02458053.

Weight Loss Experiences of African American, Hispanic, and Non‐Hispanic White Men and Women with Type 2 Diabetes: The Look AHEAD Trial

“…The current report suggests that daily self‐weighing has potential for good uptake among minority men and women, and the behavior promotes successful weight loss in some subgroups, particularly African American men and women with diabetes. Other intervention studies have reported low rates of self‐weighing among African American men , suggesting more detailed exploration of this practice may be warranted.…”

A systematic review examining socioeconomic factors in trials of interventions for men that report weight as an outcome

“…Ten studies completed longer term follow‐up measures with participants (12–24 m: n = 6; >24 m: n = 4) 33,38,39,65–71 . Twenty studies were pilot or feasibility studies 33,35,37,38,65,72–86 . Weight loss was the main intervention outcome in most studies ( n = 28), with maintenance of weight lost the focus in two trials 66,67 .…”

“…Two of these studies were of the Healthy Dads Healthy Kids intervention in Australia, 37,88 and two were of cultural adaptations of the same program in the UK 77 and the USA 82 . One study examined the effects of a group‐based intervention with and without spousal support in African American men 72 . All other studies involved only men.…”

“… 33 , 38 , 39 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 Twenty studies were pilot or feasibility studies. 33 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 65 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 Weight loss was the main intervention outcome in most studies ( n = 28), with maintenance of weight lost the focus in two trials. 66 , 67 Four studies were published between the years 2000 and 2009.…”

“…Three of these trials were intended for and had an inclusion criterion relating to specific ethnic groups. 72,75,82 One pilot study reported on the urban-rural classification of their sample, with all participants (n = 54) residing in areas classified as "rural." 81 Detailed information on the socioeconomic characteristics of study samples and related statements about study strengths or limitations are provided in Table S1.…”