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The WORD: Outcomes of a Behavioral Weight Loss Maintenance Effectiveness Trial in Rural Black Adults of Faith
Author(s) -
Yeary Karen H. Kim,
Cornell Carol E.,
Moore Page C.,
Gauss C. Heath,
Prewitt T. Elaine,
Turner Jerome
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.22717
Subject(s) - weight loss , medicine , psychological intervention , obesity , gerontology , randomized controlled trial , weight change , intervention (counseling) , physical therapy , weight gain , body weight , demography , surgery , psychiatry , sociology
Objective Rural black communities bear a disproportionate burden of obesity. To increase reach among underserved groups, community‐based weight loss and maintenance interventions are crucial. Methods The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was adapted for rural black adults of faith to create The Wholeness, Oneness, Righteousness, Deliverance (WORD) trial, a group‐based, community health worker–delivered weight loss intervention. A Weight Loss Only arm (16 sessions) was compared with a Weight Loss + Maintenance arm (16 + 12 sessions) in a cluster randomized controlled trial of 31 churches ( n = 440). Weight and related behaviors were assessed at 0, 6, 12, and 18 months. Results The WORD produced weight loss from baseline to 6 months (percentage body weight change −2.47 [−3.13 to −1.80]). Among those who lost 5% of their baseline weight, there was a statistical trend of lower weight regain in the Weight Loss + Maintenance arm compared with control. Maintenance arm participants reported higher activity at 12 months. There were no between‐arm differences at 18 months. Conclusions The WORD produced weight loss from baseline to 6 months on par with that produced by other DPP adaptations for black communities, including adaptations using health professionals. Weight regain was also consistent with that reported in prior literature. Continuing sessions as part of the church’s mission may foster adoption of DPP‐based weight loss programs.