Phone Coaching for Weight Loss Maintenance

Examination of Phone Coaching as a Weight Loss Maintenance Strategy

The purpose of this study was to examine whether 4 consecutive weeks of phone coaching aids in recovery from weight regain during weight loss maintenance. Individuals who previously achieved and maintained a >=5% weight loss in a 1-year behavioral weight loss program were provided with a low-intensity maintenance intervention (monthly newsletters and smart scale). At baseline, participants were randomized to the coaching group or the control group (no coaching). If participants regained >1.5% of their weight, randomization was "triggered." At this point, participants randomized to the coaching condition received 4 brief weekly coaching calls; participants randomized to the control condition received no additional intervention contact. Short-term and long-term weight change was assessed and compared between treatment groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-72 years of age
• Recent completion of a 1-year behavioral weight loss program
• Achievement of >=5% weight loss at the end of the 1-year weight loss program

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not currently enrolled in another weight management program