The SHED-IT weight loss maintenance trial protocol: A randomised controlled trial of a weight loss maintenance program for overweight and obese men

Myles D Young; Clare E Collins; Robin Callister; Ronald C Plotnikoff; Christopher M Doran; Philip J Morgan

doi:10.1016/j.cct.2013.11.004

The SHED-IT weight loss maintenance trial protocol: A randomised controlled trial of a weight loss maintenance program for overweight and obese men

Contemp Clin Trials. 2014 Jan;37(1):84-97. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2013.11.004. Epub 2013 Nov 15.

Authors

Myles D Young¹, Clare E Collins², Robin Callister³, Ronald C Plotnikoff⁴, Christopher M Doran⁵, Philip J Morgan⁶

Affiliations

¹ Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, ATC Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2303, Australia; School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus, Australia. Electronic address: Myles.Young@newcastle.edu.au.
² Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, ATC Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2303, Australia; School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus, Australia. Electronic address: Clare.Collins@newcastle.edu.au.
³ Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, ATC Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2303, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus, Australia. Electronic address: Robin.Callister@newcastle.edu.au.
⁴ Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, ATC Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2303, Australia; School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus, Australia. Electronic address: Ron.Plotnikoff@newcastle.edu.au.
⁵ Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, ATC Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2303, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus, Australia; Edith Cowan University Health and Wellness Institute, Edith Cowan University, Australia. Electronic address: Christopher.Doran@newcastle.edu.au.
⁶ Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, ATC Building, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2303, Australia; School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus, Australia. Electronic address: Philip.Morgan@newcastle.edu.au.

PMID: 24246820
DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2013.11.004

Abstract

Despite short-term efficacy, many weight loss studies demonstrate poor long-term results and have difficulty recruiting men. Cost-effective treatments that help men achieve long-term weight loss are required. Using a two-phase, assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomised controlled trial design this study will test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a male-only weight loss maintenance intervention. In Phase I (3 months) 209 men received the SHED-IT Weight Loss Program. In Phase II (12 months) 92 men who lost 4 kg or more were randomised to either (i) a maintenance group who received the 6-month, gender-tailored SHED-IT Weight Loss Maintenance Program, which included no face-to-face contact (n = 47), or (ii) a self-help control group (n = 45). Randomisation was stratified by weight loss (4 kg-7.4 kg, ≥7.5 kg) and BMI (<30 kg/m(2), ≥30 kg/m(2)). Assessments occurred at 'study entry' (start of Phase I), 'baseline' (start of Phase II), '6 months' (post-test) and will occur at '12 months' (follow-up; primary endpoint). The primary outcome is weight change in Phase II (i.e. from 'baseline' at 12 months after randomization). Secondary outcomes include waist circumference (umbilicus and narrowest), blood pressure, body composition, objectively measured physical activity, sedentary time, portion size, dietary intake, quality of life, depressive symptoms, and behavioural cognitions. Costing data will be collected for cost-effectiveness analysis. Generalised linear mixed models (intention-to-treat) will assess outcomes for treatment (maintenance vs. control), time (baseline, 6-month and 12-month) and the treatment-by-time interaction. This will be the first study to evaluate a male-only, gender-targeted weight loss maintenance program. Results will provide evidence regarding feasible and theoretically-driven obesity treatments for men with potential for long-term impact and widespread dissemination.

Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12612000749808).

Keywords: AES; Australian Eating Survey; BMI; Cost-effectiveness; DQES; Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies; FFQ; Food Frequency Questionnaire; ICC; Male; Obesity; RCT; Randomised controlled trial; SCT; SHED-IT; Self-help, Exercise and Diet Using Information Technology.; Social Cognitive Theory; Weight loss maintenance; body mass index; intra-class correlation coefficient; randomised controlled trial.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Body Mass Index
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Obesity / therapy*
Overweight / therapy*
Single-Blind Method
Treatment Outcome
Weight Reduction Programs / economics
Weight Reduction Programs / methods*
Young Adult