"GameDay Ready": Evaluating a Behavioral Weight Management Program for Black Men Living in the Rural South

Developing a Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Body Weight for Obese African American Men Living in the Rural South

The primary objective of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week behavioral weight management intervention adapted for Black men living in the rural South. The intervention is guided by Self-Determination Theory of Motivation, Social Cognitive Theory, and Ecological Systems Theory. Key aspects of the intervention include a football-themed curriculum, facilitator and peer concordance to the extent possible (ie., similarly aged Black men), an emphasis on male-specific health concerns, group-based competition at multiple levels of the intervention (e.g., during in-person physical activity sessions and for achieving behavioral goals), a limited educational component, and physical activity being a substantial component of meeting sessions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Self-identified African American or Black American male
• BMI 27kg/m^2 to 50kg/m^2 (healthcare provider approval required for those with a BMI >45)
• Able to speak and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Positive response to any question on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) (Participant may be included if approval is provided and documented by a healthcare provider)
• Currently participating in another weight loss trial or program or have participated in a trial or program within 6 months prior to starting the intervention
• Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥160 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥100 mm hg), diabetes, or asthma (Participant may be included if approval is provided and documented by a healthcare provider)
• Pulmonary disease requiring supplemental oxygen or daily use of short-acting bronchodilators
• Any musculoskeletal condition that would preclude meeting recommended levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
• Within 30 days prior to participating in the intervention, have taken prescription or nonprescription medications, herbals, or supplements for weight loss
• On special diet for a serious health condition (does not include general dietary advice from a healthcare provider for common risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia)
• Major surgery in the past 6 months
• Have undergone weight loss surgery or considering surgery
• Have been treated for cancer in the past 12 months (other than non-melanoma skin cancer)
• Weight loss ≥5% during the past 6 months
• Any other perceived physical or mental health-related condition that would preclude participating in a behavioral program designed to promote weight loss
• Intending to move within 6 months