Original Article
International Journal of Obesity (2008) 32, 700–707; doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803771; published online 11 December 2007
Healthy habits: efficacy of simple advice on weight control based on a habit-formation model
P Lally1, A Chipperfield1 and J Wardle1
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Behaviour Unit, University College London, London, UK
Correspondence: Dr J Wardle, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Behaviour Unit, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. E-mail: j.wardle@ucl.ac.uk
Received 14 August 2007; Revised 14 September 2007; Accepted 30 September 2007; Published online 11 December 2007.
Abstract
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy of a simple weight loss intervention, based on principles of habit formation.
Design:
An exploratory trial in which overweight and obese adults were randomized either to a habit-based intervention condition (with two subgroups given weekly vs monthly weighing; n=33, n=36) or to a waiting-list control condition (n=35) over 8 weeks. Intervention participants were followed up for 8 months.
Participants:
A total of 104 adults (35 men, 69 women) with an average BMI of 30.9 kg m-2.
Intervention:
Intervention participants were given a leaflet containing advice on habit formation and simple recommendations for eating and activity behaviours promoting negative energy balance, together with a self-monitoring checklist.
Main outcome measures:
Weight change over 8 weeks in the intervention condition compared with the control condition and weight loss maintenance over 32 weeks in the intervention condition.
Results:
At 8 weeks, people in the intervention condition had lost significantly more weight (mean=2.0 kg) than those in the control condition (0.4 kg), with no difference between weekly and monthly weighing subgroups. At 32 weeks, those who remained in the study had lost an average of 3.8 kg, with 54% losing 5% or more of their body weight. An intention-to-treat analysis (based on last-observation-carried-forward) reduced this to 2.6 kg, with 26% achieving a 5% weight loss.
Conclusions:
This easily disseminable, low-cost, simple intervention produced clinically significant weight loss. In limited resource settings it has potential as a tool for obesity management.
Keywords:
automaticity, habits, weight control, leaflet
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated
RESEARCH
Healthy habits: efficacy of simple advice on weight control based on a habit-formation model
International Journal of Obesity Original Article
Ethnic Comparison of Weight Loss in the Trial of Nonpharmacologic Interventions in the Elderly
Obesity Research Original Article
Sibutramine Plus Meal Replacement Therapy for Body Weight Loss and Maintenance in Obese Patients *
Obesity Original Article
British Dental Journal Research (07 Oct 2006)
