A brief online tool to increase behavioral weight loss treatment initiation: Protocol for a cluster randomized trial

Comprehensive behavioral weight loss treatments are the first-line approach for obesity in adults. However, only a small portion of eligible individuals will initiate treatment, even when available at low or no cost. To address low uptake, we developed the MyHealthPath Tool, a single-session, online, interactive tool designed to be completed prior to a primary care appointment. MyHealthPath Tool includes questions and automated personalized feedback to increase motivation to initiate a behavioral weight loss treatment.

In this cluster randomized controlled trial, primary care practitioners (PCPs; target N = 36) are being recruited from primary care clinics across multiple sites of a single academic-affiliated health care system, then randomized to the MyHealthPath Tool or Control condition. Patients (target N = 828) who have upcoming appointments with enrolled PCPs are recruited prior to their PCP appointment. Patients in both conditions are given information about and free access to two behavioral weight loss treatments. Participants in the MyHealthPath Tool condition also receive the tailored interactive tool and the option to share a summary of their responses with their PCP prior to their appointment. The primary outcome is the initiation of behavioral weight loss treatment within 2 months of the patient's PCP appointment. Secondary outcomes include treatment attendance and weight change over 6 months. Implementation-related outcomes (e.g., indicators of reach) are also being measured.

If effective, MyHealthPath could serve as a low-touch method for improving uptake of behavioral weight loss treatment in adults receiving primary care.