Behavioral and Cognitive Outcomes of an Online Weight Loss Program for Men With Low Mood: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ryan J Drew; Philip J Morgan; Clare E Collins; Robin Callister; Frances Kay-Lambkin; Brian J Kelly; Myles D Young

doi:10.1093/abm/kaab109

Behavioral and Cognitive Outcomes of an Online Weight Loss Program for Men With Low Mood: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ann Behav Med. 2022 Oct 3;56(10):1026-1041. doi: 10.1093/abm/kaab109.

Authors

Ryan J Drew¹, Philip J Morgan¹, Clare E Collins², Robin Callister³, Frances Kay-Lambkin⁴, Brian J Kelly⁴, Myles D Young⁵

Affiliations

¹ Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Education, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
² Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
³ Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
⁴ School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
⁵ Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Psychology, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.

PMID: 34964449
DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaab109

Abstract

Background: Depression and obesity are major health concerns and commonly co-exist, but men rarely seek help for these conditions. SHED-IT: Recharge was a gender-tailored eHealth program for men that generated clinically meaningful improvements in weight and depressive symptoms.

Purpose: To evaluate behavioral and psychological outcomes from the SHED-IT: Recharge intervention designed for overweight/obese men with low mood.

Methods: Overall, 125 men (18-70 years) with a BMI between 25 and 42 kg/m2 and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) were randomly allocated to SHED-IT: Recharge (n = 62) or wait-list control (n = 63) groups. The self-directed program targeted key health behaviors combined with online mental fitness modules based on cognitive behavioral therapy. Behavioral (e.g., physical activity) and psychological outcomes (e.g., cognitive flexibility) were assessed with validated measures at baseline, 3 months (post-test) and 6 months (follow-up). Intention-to-treat linear mixed models examined treatment effects, which were adjusted for covariates, and effect size estimated (Cohen's d).

Results: At post-test, intervention men achieved small-to-medium improvements in several health behavior outcomes including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, light physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, energy intake, portion size, and risky alcohol consumption (range, d = 0.3-0.5), when compared with the control group. Intervention effects were also observed for perceived physical self-worth, perceived physical strength, cognitive flexibility, and behavioral activation (range, d = 0.3-0.8). No effects were found for fruit and vegetable intake, or mindful attention. Most effects were maintained at follow-up.

Conclusions: This gender-tailored, eHealth program with integrated mental fitness support elicited meaningful improvements in health behaviors and psychological outcomes for men with low mood. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001209189).

Keywords: Depression; Mental fitness; Obesity; Physical activity; eHealth; lifestyle behaviors.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Australia
Cognition
Humans
Male
Obesity / psychology
Obesity / therapy
Overweight / therapy
Weight Loss
Weight Reduction Programs*

Associated data

ANZCTR/ACTRN12619001209189