Pounds Off Digitally study: a randomized podcasting weight-loss intervention.

Full 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; p<0.001 between groups) and BMI (-1.0+/-1.2 kg/m(2) enhanced group vs -0.1+/-0.7 kg/m(2) control group; p<0.001 between groups) than the control group (n=37) and had greater weight-loss-related knowledge (p<0.05), elaboration (p<0.001), and user control (p<0.001) and less cognitive load (p<0.001). 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.

Author information

Author/s: Turner-McGrievy, Gabrielle M (GM); Campbell, Marci K (MK); Tate, Deborah F (DF); Truesdale, Kimberly P (KP); Bowling, J Michael (JM); Crosby, Lelia (L);

Affiliation: Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7461, USA. brie(-atsign-)unc.edu

Grants: DK056350 (Agency:NIDDK NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: American journal of preventive medicine (Am J Prev Med), published in Netherlands. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 37 (issue 4) : pp 263-9

Dates: Created 2009/09/21; Completed 2009/11/02;

PMID: 19765496, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/2/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Am J Prev Med. 2009 Oct;37(4):377-8. (PMID: 19765512)

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