Upcoming Trial to Investigate Couple-Based Weight Loss Program

Overview of the Study

An upcoming trial aims to implement a weight loss program tailored for couples, focusing on how one partner’s behavior influences the other’s weight loss journey. Previous weight loss research has primarily centered on individual participants, neglecting the shared dietary and physical activity habits that couples typically engage in, which contribute to a similar obesity risk.

Research Basis: Self-Determination Theory

The social dynamics of weight loss have prompted researchers to explore a couple-centric approach based on the Self-Determination Theory. This theory posits that environments that fulfill individual needs promote the development of autonomous and competent individuals. A recently published study protocol in BMC Public Health details how this theory will be applied to cohabiting couples to assess the impact of one partner on the other’s weight loss progress.

Participant Recruitment and Eligibility

To recruit participants, researchers plan to utilize local media for advertisements followed by screening individuals through phone interviews. Eligible couples must meet the following criteria: aged 18-70 years, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25-45 kg/m², and living together. Couples currently participating in weight loss programs, taking supplements, or facing certain health conditions, including pregnancy, lactation, substance abuse, or cancer treatment, will be excluded from the study.

Study Design and Group Assignments

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the Self-Determination Theory-Weight Loss (SDT-WL) group or the Behavioral Weight Loss (BWL) group. The SDT-WL group will attend weekly weight loss meetings for six months, where they will receive education on healthy eating and exercise, alongside training focused on partner support. This training will emphasize the importance of partnership, using supportive language, and responding to each partner’s needs.

In contrast, the BWL group will also attend weekly meetings and receive basic nutrition and physical activity information, but without the partner support training.

Dietary and Physical Activity Guidelines

During the trial, all participants will aim to reduce their dietary fat intake by 30% while maintaining caloric levels. Each group will receive a sample meal plan, a nutrition guidebook, and access to online resources. Participants will also be encouraged to gradually increase their physical activity, ultimately engaging in 50 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week. Dietary choices and exercise will be monitored using a provided diary or preferred online applications.

Assessment Tools

To evaluate the effectiveness of the program, researchers will employ various self-reported questionnaires and scales, including the Important Other Climate Questionnaire, Sallis Support Scale, Quality Marriage Index, and Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. These tools will assess how well each partner feels their needs are met and their perceptions of relationship dynamics throughout the trial.

Significance of the TEAMS Trial

This study, referred to as the TEAMS trial (Talking about Eating, Activity, and Mutual Support), will be pioneering in its examination of the effects of a couple-based weight loss program in a randomized controlled format. Upon completion, the study is expected to shed light on the impact of collective weight loss efforts within couples, underscoring the significance of interpersonal support during weight loss initiatives.

Reference

Gorin, A.A., Powers, T.A., Gettens, K., Cornelius, T., Koestner, R., Mobley, A.R., … Medina, T.H. (2017). Project TEAMS (Talking about Eating, Activity, and Mutual Support): a randomized controlled trial of a theory-based weight loss program for couples. BMC Public Health, 17(749). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4732-7.