Accessible weight loss program for adults who are legally blind: A pilot study

Compared to those without vision impairments, adults with low vision have higher rates of obesity and face more barriers to participation in traditional weight loss programs.

This pilot study examined the usability and helpfulness of an adaptive, evidence-based weight loss program for adults who are legally blind.

The study was a remotely delivered, single-arm weight loss trial for adults who were legally blind with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25. At weeks 4 and 8, participants reported usability and helpfulness of program components using a five-point scale (0-4) with higher numbers indicating greater usability and helpfulness. Weight data were collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8 using a scale with cellular technology. The adaptive 8-week weight loss program included evidence-based lifestyle recommendations for diet, physical activity, and self-weighing. The program provided support through text messages, emails, and video-based problem-solving sessions.

Participants (N = 28) were aged 53.4 ± 10.2 years, 89.3% female, 35.7% Black, and 57.1% non-Hispanic White with an average BMI of 35.4 ± 8.8 kg/m². Most program components had a median score of 4 for usability and helpfulness except educational materials (helpfulness, median 3). Compared to baseline weight, participants had a weight loss of 2.2 ± 2.1% (p < .001) at week 4 and 3.6 ± 3.0% (p < .001) at week 8.

This study has provided evidence that an all-remote weight loss program can be a useable, helpful, and effective approach for adults who are legally blind. More work is needed to develop scalable, sustainable, and fully accessible evidence-based weight loss programs.

Clinicaltrials. gov identifier: NCT05419063.