Design and implementation of a randomized controlled social and mobile weight loss trial for young adults (project SMART).

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To describe the theoretical rationale, intervention design, and clinical trial of a two-year weight control intervention for young adults deployed via social and mobile media.

Methods

A total of 404 overweight or obese college students from three Southern California universities (M(age) = 22( ± 4) years; M(BMI) = 29( ± 2.8); 70% female) were randomized to participate in the intervention or to receive an informational web-based weight loss program. The intervention is based on behavioral theory and integrates intervention elements across multiple touch points, including Facebook, text messaging, smartphone applications, blogs, and e-mail. Participants are encouraged to seek social support among their friends, self-monitor their weight weekly, post their health behavio

SUBMITTER: Patrick K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3910290 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature