Open AccessFeasibility and efficacy of a novel technology‐based approach to harness social networks for weight loss: the NETworks pilot randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Monroe C. M.,
Geraci M.,
Larsen C. A.,
West D. S.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
obesity science and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.654
H-Index - 14
ISSN - 2055-2238
DOI - 10.1002/osp4.352
Subject(s) - weight loss , medicine , randomized controlled trial , physical therapy , social support , body mass index , intervention (counseling) , social network (sociolinguistics) , gerontology , obesity , psychology , psychiatry , surgery , social media , psychotherapist , political science , law
Summary Objective Harnessing social support from existing social ties represents a key weight control practice. This trial evaluated an intervention that provided health‐promoting technologies for leveraging the influence of existing social ties. Methods Volunteers ( N = 36) with a body mass index between 25 and 55 kg m −2 were randomized to a 16‐week, in‐person, technology‐supported behavioural weight‐loss treatment (standard behavioural treatment) or the same programme supplemented by providing self‐selected members of participants' social networks with a digital body‐weight scale and Fitbit Zip physical activity tracker (ENHANCED). Results Average weight losses from baseline to 16 weeks did not significantly differ between groups (standard behavioural treatment, 5.30%, SD =3.93%; ENHANCED, 5.96%, SD = 5.19%, p = 0.63). By the 1‐year follow‐up, standard behavioural treatment had lost 5.63%, SD = 8.14% of baseline weight versus 4.73%, SD = 9.43% for ENHANCED ( p = 0.82). ENHANCED reported self‐weighing on more days than did standard behavioural treatment ( p = 0.03). Most participants reported high programme satisfaction. Similar improvements were observed in perceived social support for diet and exercise from baseline to 16 weeks in both groups ( p s < 0.05) but regressed by 1 year ( p s < 0.01). Conclusion Although feasible to implement, this technology‐based, social support approach failed to enhance outcomes of a face‐to‐face, group‐based behavioural weight‐loss treatment.