The Effect of Telephone and Video Counseling on Weight Loss and Quality of Life

The Effect of Telephone and Video Counseling Given to Obese Individuals on Weight Loss and Quality of Life in the COVID-19 Pandemic: an RCT

Individuals with obesity are at higher risk for severe disease, hospitalizations, and death from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Social distancing guidelines intended to prevent viral spread during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in major changes to daily routines . Several studies have demonstrated that individuals with overweight/obesity reported worsening mental health, poor eating habits , less physical activity (PA) since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of these pandemic rules, the use of phone/video consultancy applications and online classes for body weight control and diet monitoring is increasing. Therefore, in this study it is aimed to determine the effect of diet counseling via phone or video on weight loss and to compare it with the traditional follow-up method in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The use of phone/video consultancy applications for body weight control and diet monitoring is increasing. One of the main reasons for this situation is that individuals care more about the social distance rule as a result of the increase in health concerns after the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. In addition, due to the uncertainty of how long the pandemic will last, many people are adapting to online applications and programs quicly. However, it's unclear which method of phone/video-based diet counseling is more successful or preferable to traditional diet follow-up. Based on the above-mentioned information; in this study, it is aimed to determine the effect of diet counseling via phone or video on weight loss and to compare it with the traditional follow-up method in the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals who meet the research criteria will randomize according to their file numbers (with the ramdomizer program) and divide into 3 groups: telephone counseling (15), video counseling (15) and traditional follow-up group (Figure 1.). Food consumption records, anthropometric measurements and quality of life scale scores of all individuals will record at the beginning and end of the study (Figure 2.). In order to prevent interaction between individuals, all diet programs will prepare at different times and individually.

Inclusion Criteria: Being between the ages of 20-65 Being obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2) Having a smartphone with internet access and being competent to use it Volunteering to participate in research Exclusion Criteria: Being pregnant/lactating Having a hearing problem Being on a followed diet program