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Translational Behavioral Medicine
Published in: Translational Behavioral Medicine 1/2015

01-03-2015 | Original Research

Virtual small groups for weight management: an innovative delivery mechanism for evidence-based lifestyle interventions among obese men

Authors: Kristen M. J. Azar, R.N., B.S.N., M.S.N/.M.P.H., Magi Aurora, B.S., Elsie J. Wang, M.S., Amy Muzaffar, M.D., Alice Pressman, Ph.D., M.S., Latha P. Palaniappan, M.D., M.S.

Published in: Translational Behavioral Medicine | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

While group interventions for weight management have been shown to be efficacious, adherence is often low, especially among men. This pilot study seeks to test whether group interventions using web-based group video conferencing (VC) technology is effective for weight loss. We adapted a 12-week curriculum based on the Diabetes Prevention Program, and delivered this intervention to a small group of men (BMI ≥30 kg/m2), using web-based group VC. Participants were randomized to intervention (n = 32) or delayed-intervention control group (n = 32). The intervention group lost 3.5 % (95 % CI 2.1 %, 4.9 %) of their initial body weight. Difference in mean weight loss was 3.2 kg (p = 0.0002) and mean BMI decrease was 1.0 kg/m2 (p = 0.0010) between the two groups. Virtual small groups may be an effective means of allowing face-to-face group interaction, while overcoming some barriers to access.
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Metadata
Title
Virtual small groups for weight management: an innovative delivery mechanism for evidence-based lifestyle interventions among obese men
Authors
Kristen M. J. Azar, R.N., B.S.N., M.S.N/.M.P.H.
Magi Aurora, B.S.
Elsie J. Wang, M.S.
Amy Muzaffar, M.D.
Alice Pressman, Ph.D., M.S.
Latha P. Palaniappan, M.D., M.S.
Publication date
01-03-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Translational Behavioral Medicine / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 1869-6716
Electronic ISSN: 1613-9860
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13142-014-0296-6

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