Weight Loss Intervention for the Reduction of Cancer Risk and Health Disparities in Rural Ohio (HERO)

This study determines the feasibility of a telephone-based weight lost intervention in reducing cancer risk and health disparities in rural Ohio. Obesity is the leading preventable cause of cancer, and obesity-related inflammation is linked to elevated cancer risk, independent of obesity itself. Rural populations are a vulnerable population in need of increased access to tailored strategies and benefit from weight loss interventions. This study aims to see whether a telephone-based intervention may help obese people in rural area to reduce body weight, so as to prevent obesity-related cancer.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a 15-week telephone-based weight loss intervention among overweight/obese rural residents. II. To estimate the preliminary efficacy of the lifestyle modifications on weight loss, body composition (fat mass, percent body fat), inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-alpha, and C-recreative protein [CRP]), and other disease risk factors (lipid profiles). OUTLINE: Participants are randomized to 1 of 2 arms. ARM I: Participants receive weekly telephone-based weight loss intervention for 15 weeks, including dietary recommendations tailored to their current weight and weight loss target, home-based aerobic and resistance exercise, and weekly telephone counseling session over 30-45 minutes. ARM II: Participants receive education brochures describing the American Institute for Cancer Research physical activity and dietary guidelines.

Participants receive weekly telephone-based weight loss intervention for 15 weeks, including dietary recommendations tailored to their current weight and weight loss target, home-based aerobic and resistance exercise, and weekly telephone counseling session over 30-45 minutes.

Participants receive education brochures describing the American Institute for Cancer Research physical activity and dietary guidelines.

Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) will be obtained by fasting capillary blood sampling from fingerstick and analyzed using Cholestech LDX

C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration (ng/L) will be quantified with an automated chemistry analyzer

Participants will be asked to complete two valid and reliable timed performance-related mobility tasks, including 400-meter walk and lift and carry task

Self-reported using Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaires118. Objectively measured physical activity will be recorded using the LIFECORDER Plus Accelerometer for 7 days in the 1st and 15th week

Assessed by using Exercise Self-Efficacy, Barrier Self-Efficacy, and Multi-dimensional Self-Efficacy scales

Inclusion Criteria: Body mass index (BMI) >= 25 kg/m^2 Age: 20-64.9 years Not currently participating in any weight loss intervention or meet the physical activity recommendation (150 min/week of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 min/week of vigorous exercise) The ability to walk two blocks Ability to speak and read English Exclusion Criteria: Prior cancer diagnosis (except non-melanoma skin cancer) or severe medical conditions such as unstable cardiovascular disease or digestive disorders that would preclude physical activity and dietary intervention Pregnant or nursing women Unable to give informed consent