The Drop It at Last Study: Six-month Results of a Phone-based Weight Loss Trial

Overview

Journal Am J Health Promot

Date 2010 Jul 3

PMID 20594094

Citations 11

Authors

Nancy E Sherwood

Robert W Jeffery

Ericka M Welsh

Jeff Vanwormer

Ann Marie Hotop

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: To address the translational research question regarding the optimal intervention "dose" to produce the most cost-effective rate of weight loss, we conducted the Drop It At Last (DIAL) study.

Design: DIAL is a 6-month pilot randomized trial to examine the efficacy of phone-based weight loss programs with varying levels of treatment contact (10 vs. 20 sessions) in comparison to self-directed treatment.

Setting: Participants were recruited from the community via mailings and advertisement.

Subjects: Participants were 63 adults with a body mass index between 30 and 39 kg/m(2).

Intervention: Participants received a standard set of print materials and were randomized to either: (1) self-directed treatment; (2) 10 phone coaching sessions; or (3) 20 phone coaching sessions.

Measures: Measured height, weight, and psychosocial and weight-related self-monitoring measures were collected at baseline and follow-up.

Analysis: General linear models were used to examine 6-month treatment group differences in weight loss and in psychosocial and behavioral measures.

Results: Weight losses were -2.3, -3.2, and -4.9 kg in the self-directed, 10-session, and 20-session groups, respectively (p < .21). Participants who completed 10 or more sessions lost more weight (-5.1 kg) compared to those completed four or fewer sessions (-.3 kg, p < .04).

Conclusion: Phone-based weight loss program participation is associated with modest weight loss. The optimal dose and timing of intervention warrant further study.

Citing Articles

Effect and factors associated with weight and waist circumference reductions in information and communication technology-based specific health guidance.

Iwayama Y, Shimba Y, Viswanathan C, Yano Y Environ Occup Health Pract. 2025; 5(1).

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DIAL now protocol: A randomized trial examining the provision of phone coaching to those with sub-optimal early weight loss during an Internet weight management program.

Unick J, Pellegrini C, Dunsiger S, Demos K, Thomas J, Bond D Contemp Clin Trials. 2020; 90:105953.

PMID: 32017994 PMC: 7071958. DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.105953.

Variation in the operationalisation of dose in implementation of health promotion interventions: insights and recommendations from a scoping review.

Rowbotham S, Conte K, Hawe P Implement Sci. 2019; 14(1):56.

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Randomized controlled trial assessing two commercial weight loss programs in adults with overweight or obesity.

Arterburn L, Coleman C, Kiel J, Kelley K, Mantilla L, Frye N Obes Sci Pract. 2019; 5(1):3-14.

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The Science of Obesity Management: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement.

Bray G, Heisel W, Afshin A, Jensen M, Dietz W, Long M Endocr Rev. 2018; 39(2):79-132.

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