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Objectives. We examined whether adding behavioral weight loss strategies could improve the outcomes of a community weight loss campaign. Methods. Shape Up RI is a 12-week, online, team-based program for health improvement in Rhode Island. In study 1, we randomly assigned participants to the standard Shape Up RI program or to the program plus video lessons on weight loss. In study 2, we randomly assigned participants to the standard program or to the program plus video lessons; daily self-monitoring of weight, eating, and exercise; and computer-generated feedback. Results. Adding video lessons alone (study 1) did not result in significantly improved weight loss (2.0 [+ or -]2.8 kg vs 1.4 [+ or -]2.9 kg; P=.15). However, when the video lessons were supplemented with self-monitoring and feedback (study 2), the average weight loss more than doubled (3.5 [+ or -]3.8 kg vs 1.4 [+ or -]2.7 kg; P Conclusions. Adding behavioral strategies to community campaigns may improve weight loss outcomes with minimal additional cost. (Am J Public Health. 2010; 100:2513-2519. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.183616)

The purpose of this study is to explore gender differences in reasons for losing weight, weight loss methods, and weight loss behaviors prior to and during a weight loss maintenance trial. This is a secondary analysis of data from a 24-month randomized controlled trial comparing Self-Directed or Guided phone-based weight loss maintenance interventions among adults who had intentionally lost ≥10% of their body weight in the year prior to enrollment. Participants reported their weight loss methods and reasons for recently losing weight at baseline. Dietary intake, physical activity, and dietary patterns were assessed at baseline, 12, and 24 months. Participants included 419 adults (18.4% men, age 47.0 ± 10.8, BMI 28.4 ± 5.0). Women were more likely than men to report having used an organized weight loss program during their weight loss (55.9% vs. 24.7%, p < .001) and to report improving personal esteem as a motivator (51.2% vs. 35.1%, p = .01). Men were more likely than women to report eating food from convenience stores at baseline (22.1% vs. 13.2%, p = .05) and throughout the study but otherwise reported similar meal patterns (ps > .05). Men reported higher energy intake than women while physical activity was similar. Although more men self-directed their initial weight loss and more women utilized organized weight loss programs, behaviors reported during weight loss maintenance were similar. Futures studies are needed to understand if these results generalize to other men who have successfully lost weight and are participants in other weight loss maintenance interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Young men are vastly underrepresented in lifestyle interventions, suggesting a need to develop appealing yet effective interventions for this population., Objective: This study aimed to determine the acceptability of a self-guided lifestyle intervention designed specifically for young men (age: 18-35 years old)., Methods: Semistructured interviews and surveys were completed by 14 men following completion of a remotely delivered, 12-week lifestyle intervention. The intervention included 1 virtual group session, digital tools, access to self-paced web- and mobile-based content, and 12 weekly health risk text messages. We quantitatively and qualitatively examined young men's experiences with the intervention components of a remotely delivered, self-guided lifestyle intervention targeting weight loss. Data were integrated using convergent mixed methods analysis., Results: Men were a mean age of 29.9 (SD 4.9) years with a mean BMI of 31.0 (SD 4.5) kg/m 2 . The self-guided aspect was not acceptable, and a majority preferred more check-ins. Participants expressed a desire for a social aspect in future lifestyle interventions. All men found the focus on health risks appealing. A majority of men found the study-issued, Bluetooth-enabled scale acceptable., Conclusions: Acceptability of the self-guided lifestyle intervention was perceived as suboptimal by young men. The findings highlight the need to add intervention components that sustain motivation and provide additional social support for young men., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04267263; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04267263., (©Jean Miki Reading, Melissa M Crane, Justin Guan, Ronston Jackman, Maria D Thomson, Jessica Gokee LaRose. Originally published in JMIR Formative Research (https://formative.jmir.org), 05.04.2024.)