Evaluation of a Telehealth Lifestyle Management Program to Improve Healthy Behaviors Post Head Injury

Inclusion criteria

• age 19 years or older
• English speaking
• sustained a moderate or severe TBI (as defined by a period of confusion after the injury of more than 24 hours)
• overweight or obese as defined by a BMI score of ≥ 25 kg/m2
• 1-year or greater post-injury
• not currently enrolled in a weight loss program or receiving weight loss medication
• regular access to a computer/laptop with internet capability which allows internet and telephone access simultaneously
• if person with TBI who meets criteria 1-7 but does not cook, shop, and/or prepare meals independently, he or she must have a non-paid, study partner willing to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

1

• pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next 7 months
• concurrent medical condition for which changes in exercise or diet would be contraindicated
• severe hearing or visual impairment
• significant psychiatric disorder, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (those with depression or anxiety will not be excluded)
• unable to communicate
• significant cognitive impairment and without a study partner, and/or
• person with TBI who does not cook, shop, and/or prepare meals independently who does not have a non-paid, study partner willing to participate in the study
• currently enrolled in an organized weight loss program
• has lost > 10% of body weight over the past 6 months
• history of an eating disorder