EFFECT OF FREQUENT PHONE CONTACTS AND OPTIONAL FOOD PROVISION ON MAINTENANCE OF WEIGHT-LOSS

This article reports the results of two studies evaluating strategies to improve maintenance of weight loss. Study I evaluated the effect of frequent contact with patients through phone calls designed to promot e adherence to self-monitoring; Study 2 evaluated a crisis interventio n model, where subjects could obtain food bores during high-risk perio ds to simplify dietary adherence. All subjects had originally particip ated in an initial six-month behavioral weight control program conduct ed at the University of Minnesota or at the University of Pittsburgh a nd had lost >4.0 kg. Subjects from the University of Minnesota (N = 53 ) were randomly assigned to either a year-long maintenance program inv olving weekly phone calls from a staff member or to a no-contact contr ol (Study I). Weekly phone calls, which inquired about self-monitoring and current weight, were completed with high frequency (76% completio n rate); mil completion and self-reported adherence to daily monitorin g were negatively associated with weight regain (r = -0.52 to -0.59, p <.01). However, weight regain did not differ significantly in the Pho ne Maintenance versus Control Condition (+3.9 kg versus +5.6 kg, p =.2 8). Study 2, conducted at the University of Pittsburgh, involved 47 su bjects who were randomly assigned to a Control or Optional Food Provis ion Condition. Both groups attended monthly maintenance meetings; the Food Provision Group had the option of purchasing boxes of food Contai ning five breakfasts and five dinners. Twelve of the 26 subjects in th e Food Provision Group purchased these food boxes for at least one mon th of maintenance. However, weight regain in those people who purchase d the box, or in the Food Provision Condition as a whole, did not diff er from the Control Condition (+4.2 kg for intervention versus +4.3 kg for control). Further research is needed to develop more effective ma intenance interventions.