Weight Loss in Chronic Disease Patient Population

This study will assess the effect of in-home tele-health monitoring on health outcomes for LSUHCSD chronic disease, overweight or obese patients diagnosed with type II diabetes or hypertension. Primary emphasis will be on assessing the effect of tele-health home monitoring combined with motivational telephone coaching on weight loss and waist circumference as compared to self-directed, home monitoring alone, and telephone coaching alone. Secondary outcomes such as blood pressure, Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar, and cholesterol will be examined as well.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 yrs old
• BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and waist circumference > 40 inches (men)/ 35 inches (women)
• Weight ≤ 500lbs
• At least one of the following:
• Fasting blood sugar > 100 mg/dL at any point and/or taking medications for diabetes And/Or
• Resting blood pressure > 130/90 mm Hg at any point and/or taking medications for hypertension
• Not involved in regular physical activity or weight loss management programs
• Capable of being physically active
• Physically able to use in-home equipment (or presence of a household member who can assist the subject in equipment use)
• Currently-working conventional telephone line at primary residence
• Grounded electrical power supply at primary residence
• Have been in LSU HCSD system for 6 months and anticipate remaining in the LSU HCSD patient population for the next 6 months

Exclusion criteria

• A history of drug abuse in the last year, or excess alcohol consumption (40g/day)6
• Currently dieting or engaging in any activity with the goal of losing weight
• Significant weight loss or weight gain in the past year (> 50 lbs) or current use of weight loss medications
• History of gastrointestinal bypass or other bariatric surgery in the last 3 years
• Diagnosis of congestive heart failure
• Under treatment for end-stage renal disease or end-stage liver disease
• History of major organ transplant
• History of cancers requiring treatment in the past 5 years with anything but excellent prognosis
• Current diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychotic disorders
• Pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant in the next 12 months.
• Lack support from health care provider or family members.
• Current member of household participating in study
• Factors that may limit adherence to intervention or affect conduct of the trial.
• Unable or unwilling to communicate with staff, to provide written informed consent, or accept the randomized assignment.
• Any other condition, which, in the opinion of the investigators would impede competence or compliance or possibly hinder completion of the study.