An interventional pilot study on obesity among low-income patients using a computer-based weight management module

Area of Science:

• Obesity and Lifestyle Modification
• Primary Care Interventions
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Primary care physicians often overlook lifestyle modification discussions with obese patients.
• Obese individuals with lower socioeconomic status are disproportionately affected and face access barriers to health education.
• Effective interventions are needed to address obesity in underserved populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a clinic-based computer kiosk for healthy lifestyle education among obese patients.
• To determine if computer-based education impacts body mass index (BMI) in this population.
• To explore alternative strategies for intensive counseling in primary care settings.

Main Methods:

• A computer kiosk delivering lifestyle modification education was implemented in a residency clinic.
• Obese patients, particularly those of lower economic means, accessed the educational program.
• Patient knowledge (posttest scores) and body mass index (BMI) were assessed before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• Posttest knowledge scores significantly improved and were maintained after completing the computer-based education.
• Body mass index (BMI) remained largely unaffected by the computer-based intervention.
• Computer-based education alone was insufficient for significant BMI reduction.

Conclusions:

• Computer-based lifestyle modification education alone is ineffective for reducing BMI in obese patients with lower economic means.
• Intensive counseling, potentially through health coaching models, is necessary for effective weight management in this population.
• Future research should explore accountable care organization-sponsored health coaching for delivering intensive counseling.