Translational Research: Bridging the Gap between Long-Term Weight Loss Maintenance Research and Practice

Abstract

The number of U.S. adults classified as overweight or obese has dramatically increased in the past 25 years resulting in a significant body of research addressing weight loss and weight loss maintenance (WTLM). However, little is known about the potential of WTLM interventions to be translated into actual practice settings. Thus, the purpose of this article is to determine the translation potential of published WTLM intervention studies by determining the extent to which they report information across the RE-AIM (Reach, Efficacy/effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. A secondary purpose is to provide recommendations for research based upon these findings. To identify relevant research articles, a literature search was conducted using four databases; 19 WTLM intervention studies were identified for inclusion. Each article was evaluated using the RE-AIM Coding Sheet for Publications to determine the extent to which dimensions related to internal and external validity were reported. Approximately half of the articles provided information addressing three RE-AIM dimensions (Reach, Efficacy/effectiveness, and Implementation), yet only a quarter provided information addressing Adoption and Maintenance. Significant gaps were identified in understanding external validity, and metrics that could facilitate the translation of these interventions from research to practice are presented. Based upon this review, it is unknown how effective WTLM interventions could be in “real-world” situations, such as clinical or community practice settings. Future studies should be planned to address how WTLM intervention programs will be adopted and maintained, with special attention to costs for participants and for program implementation.

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Physical activity interventions to promote positive youth development among indigenous youth: a RE-AIM review

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Dissemination and Translation: A Frontier for Cancer Survivorship Research

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