A non‐randomized comparison of engagement and outcomes for in‐person versus virtual delivery of the Partner2Lose weight management trial

Abstract

Abstract Objective Existing behavioral weight management interventions produce clinically meaningful weight loss. The onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic led to the quick transition of such interventions from in‐person to virtual platforms. This provided a unique opportunity to compare engagement and outcomes for an in‐person versus virtually delivered weight management intervention. Methods A non‐randomized comparison of engagement and weight outcomes was performed between two cohorts who participated in a weight management intervention in person (N = 97) versus three who participated virtually via videoconference (N = 134). Various metrics of engagement were examined, including group class and individual phone call attendance and duration, and retention for weight assessments. Behavioral targets of daily caloric intake and step‐counts and the clinical weight outcome were explored. Results Cohorts (mean [standard deviation] age 47.3 (11.5), 67.1% women: 86.8% White) that participated virtually attended more group sessions (p < 0.001) and had maintenance telephone calls that were of a longer duration (p < 0.001). No other engagement or weight outcomes significantly differed by delivery modality. Conclusions Virtual weight management programs are promising and may generate similar outcomes to those delivered in‐person. Future research should seek to understand how best to promote and sustain engagement in virtual interventions.

Keywords

• COVID‐19
• engagement
• videoconference
• virtual intervention
• weight loss intervention
• weight management