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Completed

NCT Number: NCT02196012

A Technology-Based Intervention for the Reduction of Overweight and Obesity Among College Students

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and acceptability and efficacy of a two month technology-based weight loss program for overweight and obese college students.

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Key information

Conditions

Overweight and Obesity Body Weight Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Obesity Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–22 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee, 37996, United States

About this study

A randomized controlled trial design will be employed to investigate the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of a technology-based weight loss pilot intervention for the reduction of overweight and obesity in college students. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (1) 8-week intervention group, or (2) 8-week attention control group. Both conditions include 8 weekly lessons over 8 weeks. Undergraduate students (n=100) age 18-22 years who are overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) will be recruited from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Measurements will be taken at baseline and 8 weeks. Since the study is a technology-based intervention, research staff will collect height and weight measures for BMI through a novel approach, utilizing Skype video conferencing.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Eligibility will include UTK undergraduate students who are overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and between 18-22 years of age, with access to the Internet, a personal computer (laptop, tablet, or desktop computer), and a smartphone.

Exclusion criteria

  • Any individual who does not meet all the inclusion criteria will be excluded from participation in the study.
  • Students who have a medical condition that precludes adherence to dietary recommendations
  • Who are currently prescribed medications that may impact weight, or who are currently participating in or planning to participate in another weight loss programs in the next six months
  • Who have been diagnosed with a major psychiatric illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or depression) within the last 12 months
  • Who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the next six months
  • Who have given birth within the last six months
  • Who have been diagnosed with any type of eating disorder within the past 12 months will be ineligible.

Treatment and study plan

Intervention Group

Behavioral

Attention Control Condition

Behavioral

Primary outcomes

  1. body mass index (BMI)

    Time frame: 2 months

Secondary outcomes

  1. feasibility

    Time frame: 2 months

    A mixed methods approach, including online surveys and focus groups, was employed to assess the feasibility of the pilot study. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment and retention data and self-reported records of participant engagement.

Other outcomes

  1. acceptability

    Time frame: 2 months

    Participants in both groups completed an online post-intervention survey. Data were collected and compiled through SurveyMonkey. Surveys were comprised of a combination of closed-ended and open-ended questions. Participants completed text-based focus group using Skype group messaging. Participants were asked to provide feedback on each technology tool in the program, the website, methods of delivery, the duration of the program, and the overall program. A benefit was that the online tools allowed students to maintain anonymity, which could have encouraged participation and sharing.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Other

Registry information

Official study title

"The UTK Health Study" A Technology-Based Weight Loss Intervention for the Reduction of Overweight and Obesity Among College Students."

Important dates

Study start
2013
Primary completion
2014
Study completion
2014
First posted
Jul 21, 2014
Registry last updated
Jul 21, 2014

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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