Pounds Off Digitally study: a randomized podcasting weight-loss intervention.
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Date
2009-09-21
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Abstract
BACKGROUND As obesity rates rise new weight loss methods are needed Little is known about the use of podcasting audio files for a portable music player or computer to promote weight loss despite its growing popularity DESIGN A 12 week RCT was conducted SETTING PARTICIPANTS The study sample comprised overweight men and women BMI 25 40 kg m 2 n 78 in the Raleigh Durham NC area INTERVENTION In 2008 participants were randomly assigned to receive 24 episodes of a currently available weight loss podcast control podcast or a weight loss podcast based on social cognitive theory SCT designed by the researchers enhanced podcast for 12 weeks MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Weight was measured on a digital scale at baseline and follow up Both groups also completed questionnaires assessing demographic information food intake physical activity and SCT constructs at the introductory and 12 week meetings Additional questionnaires at the 12 week meeting assessed perceptions of the intervention RESULTS Data collection and analysis occurred in 2008 and intention to treat was used Enhanced group participants n 41 had a greater decrease in weight 2 9 3 5 kg enhanced group vs 0 3 2 1 control group pUnder0 001 between groups and BMI 1 0 1 2 kg m 2 enhanced group vs 0 1 0 7 kg m 2 control group pUnder0 001 between groups than the control group n 37 and had greater weight loss related knowledge pUnder0 05 elaboration pUnder0 001 and user control pUnder0 001 and less cognitive load pUnder0 001 CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that the use of behavioral theory based podcasting may be an effective way to promote weight loss TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT00771095