A quasi-experimental study on adult weight loss using a multidimensional approach among a rural population

The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a yearlong digital multidimensional weight-loss intervention among residents in a southern rural community. The intervention utilized a quasi-experimental design to assess weight loss and lifestyle habit changes in volunteer individuals living in a rural community in western North Carolina.

The quasi-experimental design featured pre- and post-in-person health assessments, including anthropometric measures such as body composition, blood pressure, and lifestyle habits, through a health risk questionnaire. Upon completion of the in-person pre-assessment, participants received digital health education and challenges via email and challenge runner for 1 year. Following 12 months, participants were asked to complete the post-assessment to review their results. The multidimensional weight-loss intervention was communicated via newspaper and social media to promote participation among community members, utilizing a volunteer sample. Univariate analyses were conducted to determine age, weight, BMI, and body fat percentage. A paired sample t-test was conducted on pre- and post-weight as well as pre- and post-health scores. The health score was derived from the health risk questionnaire. A bivariate Pearson correlation was conducted for post-weight and post-health score analyses.

The average participant was female in their mid-40s (N = 67). Results showed insignificant statistical mean differences between pre- and post-weight and pre- and post-health scores. A Pearson correlation indicated a moderate correlation r = -0.36, p = 0.003) between post-weight and post-health score. The negative correlation indicates changes in health behavior reflected in the health score improving as weight decreased.

The weight-loss intervention proved unsuccessful in clinical weight loss but demonstrated an association between healthy behavior changes and weight loss. However, further research is needed to solidify the current findings, as there were limitations identified in COVID-19.