Feasibility, Acceptability, and Satisfaction of a Lifestyle Intervention for Post-Transplant Weight Loss

Abdominal organ transplant recipients with obesity can benefit from lifestyle modification interventions for weight loss. We aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of a lifestyle modification intervention using connected health services (Fitbit and scale), coaching phone calls, and virtual group educational sessions.

Twelve kidney transplant recipients and 12 liver transplant recipients received a Fitbit, weighting scale, and nutritional coaching calls for 12 months. Twelve participants were randomized to 5 educational group sessions on lifestyle modifications. Control patients who did not lose ≥2.5% of their body weight at 6 months were invited to crossover to the group sessions arm. Feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the interventions were assessed at 6 months and 12 months.

Twenty-four participants (median age, 57 years [interquartile range, 46.2-67.5 years], 75% male, a median of 24.9 months [IQR, 15.7-43.2]) months post-transplant) completed the study. The Fitbit wristband and scales were found to be 58% appropriate, 62.5% acceptable, and 67% feasible. Phone calls were found to be 50% appropriate, 54% acceptable, and 62.5% feasible. Attendance at ≥2 group sessions was achieved by 10 patients (62.5%; 7 from the intervention arm and 3 crossovers). Among these patients, 47% found the sessions acceptable, 59% appropriate, and 53% feasible.

Transplant recipients aiming for weight loss found the multicomponent lifestyle intervention feasible and acceptable. Larger studies are needed to test the effectiveness of these interventions.