Peer Assisted Learning and Support in weight management (PALS) v.1.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
"What interventions would be acceptable and feasible to maintain individual weight management, and support peers to achieve weight loss?"
IRAS ID
188362
Contact name
Deborah Kirby
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Stirling
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, days
Research summary
Being overweight can increase health risks and this study is exploring ways that may help individuals to be as healthy as possible. Evidence-based guidelines around weight management (WM) recommend that programmes to treat obesity are based on a combination of diet, physical activity and behavioural changes (NICE CG43 update 2014; SIGN 2010). This research aims to explore whether skills and experiences individuals learn at this type of WM programme could help others they know to lose weight. In addition, it aims to explore whether there is a mutual beneficial effect: could promoting a peers weight loss, support the changes they themselves have made to lose weight? If this is possible, it means more people can get help to lose weight - friends who can make changes can help others to do so too.
The study aims to recruit participants across Scotland from WM programmes based on changing behaviours.
PHASE 1 of the study is the development of an intervention manual that could be used by WM programme leads to raise the question of peer support around WM. Potential participants will be invited to take part when they enrol for the WM programme. Those recruited will be 'asked their views' around helping others to lose weight, and, what might support their own weight loss. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews. These will take place at a time suitable and convenient to the participants. The researcher will record their changing views and perceptions 4 times over 12 months and store them securely and confidentially. This would happen around the time they have their WM programme reviews.PHASE 2 will explore, with leads via focus groups, the feasibility of using the draft intervention manual in WM programmes; and test the feasibility of its use within one group of WM programme participants.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/WM/0013
Date of REC Opinion
11 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion