TITLE:
Feasibility, effectiveness, and perceptions of an Internet-and incentive-based behavioral weight loss intervention for overweight and obese college freshmen: A mixed methods approach
AUTHORS:
Brenda M. Davy, Kerry L. Potter, Elizabeth A. Dennis Parker, Samantha Harden, Jennie L. Hill, Tanya M. Halliday, Paul A. Estabrooks
KEYWORDS:
College Freshmen; Weight Gain; Social Cognitive Theory; Diet; Physical Activity
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Preventive Medicine,
Vol.3 No.7,
October
18,
2013
ABSTRACT: Challenges inherent with the transition to college are often accompanied by weight gain among college freshmen. Weight gain and duration of obesity increase metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk in young adulthood, which supports the need for weight loss interventions tailored to college students. The purpose of this investigation was to conduct a mixed methods pilot trial to determine the efficacy and acceptability of a semester long Internet-and incentive-based weight loss intervention for overweight/obese college freshmen. Participants (n = 27, aged >18 yrs, BMI >25) were randomly assigned to a 12-week social cognitive theory (SCT)-based intervention (Fit Freshmen [FF]) or a health information control group. The FF intervention also included modest financial incentives for weight loss. Primary outcomes included body weight/composition, dietary and physical activity (PA) behaviors, and psychosocial measures (i.e. self-efficacy, self-regulation) associated with diet, PA, and weight loss. Students in the FF intervention participated in focus groups to provide qualitative feedback on program structure and design. FF participants demonstrated significant reductions (all group differences p