One-Year Weight Loss with a Telephone-Based Lifestyle Program

Obes Facts. 2016;9(4):230-40. doi: 10.1159/000445381. Epub 2016 Jul 26.

Abstract

Objective: Telephone-based weight loss programs are offered as an alternative to face-to-face obesity treatments, but data on the effectiveness regarding weight loss are limited. Therefore, we evaluated a telephone-based lifestyle program in a real-world setting.

Methods: The telephone-based intervention consists of regular phone calls providing individualized lifestyle recommendations, and delivery of printed materials. Anthropometric and metabolic data are collected by general practitioners or are self-reported.

Results: Baseline data were available from 398 participants (61% men; weight 103.12 ± 14.21 kg; BMI 33.38 ± 2.83 kg/m2) and 1-year data from 258 (65%) participants. In the completers, mean weight change was -4.25 ± 5.18 kg (p < 0.001) which corresponds to a mean percentage body weight change of -4.10 ± 4.88%. 87 participants (34%) lost more than 5% of their initial body weight, with 29 (11%) losing more than 10% of their initial body weight. 40 participants (16%) gained weight over this period. A reduction of abdominal girth of -0.59 cm (95% CI 0.34, 0.85 cm; p < 0.001) and total cholesterol of -1.55 mg/dl (95% CI 0.04, 3.05 mg/dl; p = 0.044) per kilogram weight loss was observed.

Conclusions: The telephone-based lifestyle program results in a moderate weight loss after 12 months, which may be comparable to face-to-face interventions. Telephone-based weight loss support is independent of time and location and represents a tool which is also accepted by men.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Anthropometry
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Mentoring / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / therapy*
  • Program Evaluation*
  • Telephone
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weight Loss
  • Weight Reduction Programs / methods*