Phone Coaching for Weight Loss Maintenance

The purpose of this study is to examine whether weight loss maintenance can be improved by providing individuals with 4 consecutive weeks of phone coaching during the maintenance period. Individuals who previously achieved and maintained a >=5% weight loss in a 1-year behavioral weight loss program will be provided with a low-intensity maintenance intervention. Some individuals will be selected to receive phone coaching. Assessments of weight, physical activity, and other weight-related behaviors will occur at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year.

All participants are provided with a monthly newsletter which contains useful strategies for maintaining weight loss long-term. Participants are also encouraged to weigh themselves daily using a smart scale, which electronically transmits weight data to the research staff. Some participants randomized to this condition will also receive 4 consecutive weeks of phone coaching at some point over the 1-year intervention period (this is determined by a weight-based algorithm).

All participants are provided with a monthly newsletter which contains useful strategies for maintaining weight loss long-term. Participants are also encouraged to weigh themselves daily using a smart scale, which electronically transmits weight data to the research staff. No participants in this condition will receive phone coaching.

Some individuals will receive 4 consecutive weeks of phone coaching. The first coaching call will be approximately 30 minutes in duration and follow-up calls will be 10-15 minutes in duration. Coaches will help support participants in their weight loss maintenance efforts. Once coaching calls are completed, the participant will not have any other contact with their coach.

Inclusion Criteria: 18-72 years of age Recent completion of a 1-year behavioral weight loss program Achievement of >=5% weight loss at the end of the 1-year weight loss program Exclusion Criteria: Not currently enrolled in another weight management program