Engaging Men From Blue-collar Industries in Weight Loss

Men working in blue-collar occupations have a high prevalence of overweight and obesity and have high rates of comorbidities associated with obesity. Unfortunately, these men are unlikely to participate in evidenced-based weight loss interventions. Further, few efficacious interventions have been developed that target this population for weight control. The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of tailored recruitment messages and a novel, tailored behavioral weight loss intervention in the context of a randomized trial.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 years and older
• Male
• Body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2
• Employed >20 hours per week in an occupation classified as blue collar
• Ability to communicate in English
• Provision of signed and dated informed consent form

Exclusion criteria

• History of bariatric surgery
• Diabetes managed with insulin
• Diagnosis of a serious mental illness
• Conditions contraindicated to exercise independently (determined using four questions of Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire)
• Report of potentially hazardous alcohol use (ASSIST >27)
• Weight loss in the prior six months of 10 pounds or greater
• Body mass index ≥60 kg/m2, due to increased injury risk with exercise
• Diagnosis of an eating disorder
• Any major medical condition that could increase risk for injury or other contradictions for treatment, or high likelihood of attrition, as determined by the study team