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Session: Innovative Nutrition Education Interventions Across Populations (Oral 21)

(OR21-02-24) WOOP VA Study Protocol: Testing a Novel Imagery Intervention for Weight Management in Primary Care

Monday, July 1, 2024
10:12 AM – 10:24 AM CT
Location:  W184
Objectives: Multicomponent weight management programs like the VA’s MOVE! program are effective but often have low enrollment and high attrition rates. Poor motivation is a key psychological barrier to enrollment, engagement, and weight loss. Mental Contrasting with Implementation Intentions (MCII) is an innovative imagery technique that increases motivation for behavior change. MCII has proven to increase physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables, and exercise program attendance, but few studies have tested its effectiveness for weight management. We describe our study protocol to assess the efficacy and implementation of MCII for weight management using a procedure called “WOOP” (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) combined with the MOVE! weight management program for Veterans. We hypothesize that WOOP + MOVE! will lead to greater weight loss than MOVE! alone.

Methods: We randomize veterans to the WOOP VA + MOVE! intervention or MOVE! Alone. We plan to enroll 366 Veterans as participants (ages 18-70 y) with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 or ≥25 kg/m2. All participants receive MOVE! information at enrollment, standard patient education, and three follow-up phone calls. During baseline, 6- and 12-month visits, weight and waist circumference are measured. Subjects in the intervention arm receive a MCII session at baseline and MCII coaching during follow-up phone calls. The primary outcome is mean weight percent loss at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include changes in waist circumference, diet, and physical activity. We assess implementation using the RE-AIM framework. We will also assess the effects of WOOP on program attendance.

Results: Since February 2022, 214 patients were enrolled and randomized into control and intervention groups. A total of 187 Veterans (95 control and 92 intervention) with a mean (SD) age of 55.5 (11.3) years, 82.6% male, 17.4% Hispanic and 63.7% Black have completed a baseline visit.

Conclusions: If the intervention is efficacious and increases Veterans’ engagement in weight management, it can lead to implementation and dissemination of the intervention within primary care populations.

Funding Sources: This trial is funded through the Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Service.