Feasibility study of SMS and incentive interventions for obese men
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility study of how best to engage obese men in narrative SMS (short message system) and incentive interventions for weight loss, to inform a future effectiveness and cost-effectiveness trial
IRAS ID
187361
Contact name
Stephan Dombrowski
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Stirling
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Men rarely participate in weight loss programmes, although around 24% are obese. This study looks at whether two interventions can help obese men lose weight and keep it off. The study design involved public and patient representatives, interviews and a survey of 1045 obese men. INTERVENTION 1: Sending (and receiving) text messages to a mobile phone. These will be written as though they come from other men who are also losing weight and include ’how to do it’ diet and physical activity tips, friendly humour and support. INTERVENTION 2: Texts plus a money incentive. The money will be given at 1 year and will vary according to whether weight targets are met: 5% of body weight lost at 3 months, 10% at 6 months and 10% at 12 months after the study start. Research shows that modest payment helps men change their diet and physical activity. At 3, 6 and 12 month weighing appointments, men can continue with these weight loss targets or set lower targets. This is to maintain motivation if a target is not met. We plan to randomise (like tossing a coin) 105 obese men from two regions, particularly men in difficult life situations, to three groups: texts only; texts and incentive; or a ‘control group’ who wait a year and then get the texts for 3 months. Half will receive an invitation letter from their GP. Half will be approached by a researcher in the community. Men will be invited to appointments with a researcher at community venues at 3, 6 and 12 months to get weighed and answer some questions. We will invite 18-24 men to interviews about their experiences. We will request consent to follow up men at 15, 18 and 24 months and interview another 18-24 men/families about experiences after the interventions have finished.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
16/NS/0120
Date of REC Opinion
7 Dec 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion