Addressing the psychology of weight loss and maintenance: A feasibility study of the Skills for weight loss and Maintenance weight management programme

Objectives

Building on prior theory, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of integrating novel, weight loss maintenance strategies into existing weight management programmes. We also piloted recruitment and data collection procedures for future research.

Design

Two phases of action research nested within a single-arm feasibility study. The intervention was refined between phases using feedback from intervention fidelity analysis and qualitative exploration of patient and provider experiences. Changes in outcomes were assessed up to 18 months post-baseline.

Methods

One hundred adults with a mean body mass index of 37 kg/m² were offered the Skills for weight loss and Maintenance (SkiM) intervention. This included existing weight management programme content and additional weight loss maintenance techniques delivered fortnightly for 6 months in local community centres to groups of 11–15 people.

Results

Of the 100 participants, 65%, 58% and 56% provided data at 7, 12 and 18 months. Across both phases, the mean initial weight loss was 4.2 kg (95% CI: 2.4–5.9) and 3.1 kg at 18 months (95% CI: .8–5.5). In Phase 2, we observed better weight loss maintenance (.5 kg [13.2%] regain from 7 to 18 months, vs. 1.7 kg [36.2%] in Phase 1). Variation in outcomes, high early dropout rates and qualitative feedback indicated that, although delivery of the intervention and trial procedures was feasible and acceptable, there was scope to refine the intervention to engage a wider range of participants. Intervention fidelity was acceptable, particularly in Phase 2.

Conclusions

The SkiM intervention seems promising, but more research is needed to improve recruitment and retention prior to further evaluation.