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Technical skills for weight loss: 2-y follow-up results of a randomized trial

International Journal of Obesity volume 27, pages 1500–1506 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the sustained effectiveness of a novel skill-based intervention for weight loss.

DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial.

SUBJECTS: A total of 80 overweight/obese women living in Connecticut.

MEASUREMENTS: Absolute weight difference measured in pounds and absolute change in body mass index (BMI). Secondary outcomes included changes in food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) data and waist-to-hip ratio.

RESULTS: In all 61, 35, and 34% of study participants completed the 6-, 12-, and 24-month assessments, respectively. At 6 months postintervention, both counseling-based (CBI) and skill-based (SBI) intervention groups had statistically significant decreases in absolute weight (4.0±3.6 and 1.7±3.0 kg, respectively). Compared to their baseline values, both CBI and SBI groups still maintained weight losses at 24 months (1.1±5.8 and 0.59±3.3 kg, respectively); however, the differences were not statistically significant. FFQ results showed that, within the SBI group, there was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in percent fat from baseline to 12 months and a nearly significant decrease in saturated fat from baseline to 24 months (P=0.07).

CONCLUSIONS: Both the novel SBI and conventional dietary counseling demonstrated some residual weight loss benefit at 2 y. Effects of the SBI on dietary intake patterns are encouraging, and warrant further study.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the assistance of Mrs Michelle LaRovera in the preparation of the manuscript and Mrs Jennifer Ballard for logistic support of the study. This study was supported by Grant U48/CCU115802 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Yale Prevention Research Center, Derby, CT, USA

    M-C Yeh, E Rodriguez, H Nawaz, M Gonzalez & D L Katz

  2. Yale University School of Medicine, CT, USA

    D Nakamoto & D L Katz

Authors
  1. M-C Yeh
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  2. E Rodriguez
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  3. H Nawaz
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  4. M Gonzalez
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  5. D Nakamoto
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  6. D L Katz
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Correspondence to D L Katz.

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Yeh, MC., Rodriguez, E., Nawaz, H. et al. Technical skills for weight loss: 2-y follow-up results of a randomized trial. Int J Obes 27, 1500–1506 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802430

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