Background: Partner support is associated with better weight loss outcomes in observational studies, but randomized trials show mixed results for including partners. Unclear is whether teaching communication skills to couples will improve weight loss in index participants.
Purpose: To compare the efficacy of a partner-assisted intervention versus participant-only weight management program on long-term weight loss.
Methods: This community-based study took place in Madison, WI. Index participants were eligible if they met obesity guideline criteria to receive weight loss counseling, were aged 74 years or younger, lived with a partner, and had no medical contraindications to weight loss; partners were aged 74 years or younger and not underweight. Couples were randomized 1:1 to a partner-assisted or participant-only intervention. Index participants in both arms received an evidence-based weight management program. In the partner-assisted arm, partners attended half of the intervention sessions, and couples were trained in communication skills. The primary outcome was index participant weight at 24 months, assessed by masked personnel; secondary outcomes were 24-month self-reported caloric intake and average daily steps assessed by an activity tracker. General linear mixed models were used to compare group differences in these outcomes following intent-to-treat principles.
Results: Among couples assigned to partner-assisted (n=115) or participant-only intervention (n=116), most index participants identified as female (67%) and non-Hispanic White (87%). Average baseline age was 47.27 years (SD 11.51 years) and weight was 106.55 kg (SD 19.41 kg). The estimated mean 24-month weight loss was similar in the partner-assisted (2.66 kg) and participant-only arms (2.89 kg) (estimated mean difference, 0.23 kg [95% CI, -1.58, 2.04 kg]). There were no differences in 24-month average daily caloric intake (50 cal [95% CI: -233, 132 cal]) or steps (806 steps [95% CI: -1675, 64 steps]). The percentage of participants reporting an adverse event with at least possible attribution to the intervention did not differ by arm (partner-assisted: 9%, participant-only, 3%, p=0.11).
Conclusions: Partner-assisted and individual weight management interventions led to similar outcomes in index participants.
Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03801174.
Keywords: behavior therapies; obesity; randomized controlled trial; social support.