Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2025
05:10
Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
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Do monthly coaching calls influence proximal participant adherence in a behavioral weight loss program?
Meghan L Butryn1, Stephanie Kerrigan2, Charlotte J Hagerman3
1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Sciences (WELL Center), Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St., Stratton 286, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. mlb34@drexel.edu.
Journal of Behavioral Medicine
|February 1, 2023
Summary
Continued coaching boosts weight loss maintenance. Self-monitoring adherence peaked post-call, then declined, while self-weighing increased later, informing future weight control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Obesity research
- Health psychology
Background:
- Long-term weight loss maintenance is challenging.
- Continued support after behavioral interventions improves outcomes.
- The dynamic effects of coaching on adherence are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the trajectory of weight loss behaviors post-coaching call.
- To assess adherence to calorie intake, physical activity, and self-monitoring.
- To understand the timing of self-weighing behavior relative to coaching contact.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of participants in the maintenance phase of a behavioral weight loss trial.
- Data collected on calorie intake, physical activity, weight, and self-monitoring for 14 days post-call.
- Analysis of adherence and quality of self-monitoring, and likelihood of self-weighing.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in physical activity, calorie intake, or weight over the 14 days.
- Highest adherence and quality of dietary self-monitoring occurred immediately after coaching calls, diminishing over time.
- Likelihood of self-weighing increased in the days further from the coaching call.
Conclusions:
- Coach contact may temporarily enhance adherence to self-monitoring behaviors.
- Adherence to weight loss behaviors may wane between coaching calls.
- Understanding these dynamic effects can optimize coaching frequency and content for sustained weight control.
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