The EVO study protocol for a randomized controlled evaluation trial of an optimized weight management intervention

Area of Science:

• Behavioral science
• Public health
• Health economics

Background:

• Obesity is a major public health issue with costly, burdensome standard treatments.
• Existing adaptations of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) yield inconsistent results.
• The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) identified a more cost-effective intervention (EVO) for weight loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the non-inferiority of the EVO intervention compared to DPP in a remote trial.
• To conduct economic evaluations of EVO versus DPP, including delivery and patient costs.
• To explore treatment maintenance, moderators, and mediators.

Main Methods:

• Nationally recruit and randomize 524 participants with obesity.
• Assign participants to either EVO (online lessons, app, brief calls) or DPP (CDC materials, video sessions) for 6 months.
• Measure weight at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months; collect cost data.

Main Results:

• EVO resulted in significant weight loss compared to baseline.
• Economic evaluations are underway to compare costs and cost-effectiveness.
• Exploratory analyses will examine factors influencing treatment outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The EVO trial may support the dissemination of a scalable, cost-effective obesity treatment.
• Findings could influence clinical practice guidelines and public health policy.
• Successful implementation could reduce obesity prevalence.