Recruiting and Retaining Young Adults in Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment

A randomized pilot study will be conducted, the goal of which is to determine which format represents the most viable approach to behavioral weight loss treatment with 18-25 year olds. Specifically, participants will be randomized to one of three arms; all arms will receive a 12-week behavioral weight loss intervention, including identical dietary, physical activity, and weight loss prescriptions. Behavioral goals / prescriptions will be the same, and basic content delivered will also be the same; only the format by which the intervention is delivered will differ among the treatment arms. A total of 45-55 participants, 18-25 years of age, with a BMI between 25 and 45 kg/m2 will be randomized to one of three groups: 1) Face-to-face brief behavioral weight loss (FBWL), 2) Web-based brief behavioral weight loss (WBWL), or 3) Web-based brief behavioral weight loss PLUS optional group sessions (WBWL Plus). Assessments will take place at 0 (baseline), 3 (post-treatment), and 6 months (follow-up).

Inclusion criteria

Between 18-25 years of age. Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 45 kg/m2. Men and women will be recruited. All race and ethnic groups will be recruited.

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Exclusion criteria

• Currently receiving treatment for Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or report a history of cardiovascular disease.
• Other health problems which may influence the ability to walk for physical activity or be associated with unintentional weight change, including cancer treatment within the past 5 years or tuberculosis.
• Report a history of, or current diagnosed DSM-IV-TR eating disorder (i.e., anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa) or any current compensatory behaviors (e.g., vomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise).
• Report a heart condition, chest pain during periods of activity or rest, or loss of consciousness on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q). Individuals endorsing joint problems, prescription medication usage, or other medical conditions that could limit exercise will be required to obtain written physician consent to participate.
• Report a history of any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or organic brain syndromes; report hospitalization for any psychiatric disorder within the last 12 months.
• Are currently participating in a weight loss program and/or taking weight loss medication.
• Lost > 5% of body weight during the past 6 months or history of bariatric surgery.
• Participation in any other research study that may interfere with this study.
• Intend to move outside of the surrounding area within the time frame of the investigation or will be out of town / unavailable for three or more weeks during the initial intervention period.
• Are pregnant, lactating, less than 6 months post-partum, or plan to become pregnant during the time frame of the investigation.
• Failure to complete screening appointments.

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