Patient Education and Counseling
Volume 79, Issue 2 , Pages 185-191, May 2010

Treating obesity with a novel hand-held device, computer software program, and Internet technology in primary care: The SMART motivational trial

  • Scott O. McDoniel

      Affiliations

    • College of Health Sciences, Walden University, USA
    • Harold Abel School of Psychology, Capella University, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author at: 10725 Riverbrook Circle, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126, USA. Tel.: +1 720 344 0818; fax: +1 720 344 0818.
    • ,
  • Patricia Wolskee

      Affiliations

    • Harold Abel School of Psychology, Capella University, USA
    • ,
  • Jeff Shen

      Affiliations

    • Harold Abel School of Psychology, Capella University, USA

Received 2 March 2009; received in revised form 20 July 2009; accepted 22 July 2009. published online 21 August 2009.

Abstract 

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term motivational effect of a technology-based weight reduction program for obese adults.

Methods

One hundred and eleven obese (37.0±5.8kg/m2) middle aged (45.5±10.8 years) adults (62% female) were randomly assigned to a usual care or experimental (SMART: self-monitoring and resting metabolic rate technology) group. The usual care group received a standard nutritional program in accordance to national guidelines. All participants received a comprehensive weight management program consisting of motivational interviewing (MI) sessions and automated e-mail behavioral newsletters. Bodyweight, arterial blood pressure, and psychobehavioral constructs were assessed over 12 weeks.

Results

Completer analysis (n=80) indicated a significant improvement in bodyweight (−3.9%), systolic arterial pressure (−4mmHg), and all motivational constructs following the 12-week study (p≤.05). However, there were no significant differences between groups at any time period.

Conclusion

Based on these data, a 12-week comprehensive weight reduction program consisting of MI and automated e-mail behavioral newsletters with or without SMART is efficacious in treating obese adults.

Practice implications

Although both treatment programs were equally effective, clinicians should consider a treatment program that meets the need of the patient. This study was registered at ClinicalTrails.gov NCT00750022.

Keywords: Weight loss, Obesity, E-mail, Motivational interviewing, Self-efficacy, Attitude, Indirect calorimetry, Self-monitoring

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PII: S0738-3991(09)00334-6

doi:10.1016/j.pec.2009.07.034

Patient Education and Counseling
Volume 79, Issue 2 , Pages 185-191, May 2010

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