Promotion of physical activity during weight loss maintenance: A randomized controlled trial

Behavioral weight loss (BWL) programs are not sufficiently effective at promoting high levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), despite the clear health benefits of exercise and the possibility that high levels of MVPA may improve long-term weight loss. This three-arm randomized controlled trial tested the hypotheses that 1) BWL interventions with an intensive focus on exercise would result in higher amounts of MVPA and greater long-term weight loss, compared to standard BWL, and 2) among interventions with an intensive focus on exercise, outcomes would be superior when skills for exercise promotion were taught from an acceptance-based theoretical framework (which fosters willingness to accept discomfort in the service of valued behaviors), versus a traditional behavioral approach.

Three hundred and twenty adults with overweight/obesity received group-based BWL for induction of weight loss (Months 1-6) and were randomized to receive one of three interventions for weight loss maintenance (Months 7-18): continued standard behavioral treatment (BT), behavioral treatment with an emphasis on exercise (BT + PA), or acceptance-based treatment with an emphasis on exercise (ABT + PA).

MVPA and percent weight loss did not significantly differ by condition at 12 or 18 months. Participants engaging in relatively higher levels of MVPA had greater long-term weight losses compared to participants engaging in lower levels of MVPA.

Further clinical innovations are needed so that participants in BWL programs can more readily adopt and maintain the recommended amounts of MVPA. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).