Thesis
Beyond calorie tracking: evaluating a remotely delivered behavioral intervention using an ad libitum plant-based diet
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jul 2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000831
Abstract
Background: Many individuals do not achieve clinically significant weight loss following traditional lifestyle modification interventions, potentially because weight loss is dependent upon calorie tracking compliance (to achieve calorie prescriptions), which decreases over time for most. By contrast, non-energy restricted plant-based diets have been demonstrated to promote clinically significant weight loss even without calorie prescriptions. Methods: This pilot trial is the first to empirically test a remotely delivered whole food plant-based diet (WFPBD) lifestyle modification intervention for adults with overweight or obesity. Over 12-weeks, participants (N = 22) followed a non-energy restricted WFPBD and received nutritional counseling and behavioral weight loss intervention. Participants were recruited in two phases. After Phase 1 (n = 7) participant feedback was gathered, and relevant changes were made. The revised intervention was delivered in Phase 2 (n = 15). Assessments occurred at baseline, mid-treatment, and post-treatment. Data were analyzed using an intent-to-treat approach. Results: Feasibility and acceptability of the newly developed intervention was achieved: attrition was low (9.1%) and acceptability was high (mean acceptability: 4.43 out of 5). In Phase 1, a small proportion (22.9%) of participants achieved 5% weight loss, whereas in Phase 2, the majority of participants (69.3%) met this benchmark. Mean weight loss was clinically meaningful for Phase 2 participants (5.89 ± .68 kg). Preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on waist circumference, dietary adherence, and quality of life was also achieved. Preliminary support for family support, family sabotage, friend sabotage and self-compassion (but not internal disinhibition or plant-based diet familiarity) as moderators of intervention effects was found. Conclusion: A 12-week remotely delivered intervention prescribing a non-energy restricted WFPBD was found to be feasible and acceptable and led to clinically relevant changes in weight, waist circumference, dietary adherence, and quality of life.
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Details
- Title
- Beyond calorie tracking
- Creators
- Christina Chwyl
- Contributors
- Evan M. Forman (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 87 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991015242080004721