Becoming United in Lifestyle Decisions

Optimizing a Couples-Based mHealth Intervention for Weight Management

The goal of this project is to investigate how to enhance the effects of an online-only (mHealth) couples weight loss program. This study will use an innovative methodological framework, the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST), to test four different strategies for weight loss and partner support in addition to a core intervention (i.e., dyadic action planning, joint feedback on goal progress, autonomy support training, and home environment modifications).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Married/cohabitating couple - both partners must be eligible
• BMI between 25-55kg/m2
• English speaking/reading
• Have a smartphone and reliable internet access
• Have active email address
• Willing to videoconference

Exclusion Criteria:

• Report being unable to walk 2 blocks without stopping
• Are currently participating in weight loss treatment, have a history of bariatric surgery, or lost ≥5% in the past 6-months
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the study period
• Report chest pain or loss of consciousness on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire
• Report a medical condition that could jeopardize their safety in a weight control program with diet and exercise guidelines
• Report conditions that, in the judgment of the PI, would render them unlikely to follow the protocol (e.g. dementia)