Outcomes from Partner2Lose: a randomized controlled trial to evaluate 24-month weight loss in a partner-assisted...

Area of Science:

• Obesity research
• Behavioral science
• Public health

Background:

• Observational studies suggest partner support aids weight loss.
• Randomized trials have yielded mixed results on partner involvement.
• The impact of couples' communication skills training on weight loss is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of partner-assisted versus participant-only weight management programs.
• To assess 24-month weight loss outcomes in individuals attempting weight loss.
• To evaluate the role of partner involvement in a weight loss intervention.

Main Methods:

• Community-based randomized trial comparing partner-assisted and participant-only interventions.
• Participants received evidence-based weight management; partner-assisted group included partners in sessions and communication skills training.
• Primary outcome: participant weight at 24 months; secondary outcomes: caloric intake and daily steps.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in 24-month weight loss between partner-assisted (2.66 kg) and participant-only (2.89 kg) groups.
• Similar outcomes in caloric intake and daily steps between the two intervention arms.
• Adverse event rates were comparable between groups.

Conclusions:

• Partner-assisted weight management interventions showed similar efficacy to individual programs.
• Involving partners and teaching communication skills did not enhance weight loss outcomes.
• Future research may explore specific mechanisms of partner influence.