Most people are aware of some of the risks associated with excess weight and obesity — diabetes, heart disease, and possibly cancer. And many have heeded the warnings and have lost weight. But two-thirds of American adults are still overweight or obese. Those who lose weight have problems maintaining the loss.
A unique research study being launched by the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing will evaluate the effectiveness of an Internet-based weight loss intervention that focuses on losing weight and keeping the weight off. The research team will evaluate three interventions to determine which is the most effective, with the least cost- an interactive web site, a peer-led discussion group, and email counseling.
Researchers will recruit about 300 rural women between the ages of 45 and 69 living within about 50 miles from Columbus who are overweight or obese. The team will recruit in 12 counties: Boone, Butler, Colfax, Cuming, Greeley, Madison, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk, Stanton and Wheeler.
The five-year, $3.2 million study is funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Nursing Research.
“This study is well-suited for peri- and post- menopausal rural women who are interested in preventing disease and improving their health and function so they can maintain an independent lifestyle as they age,” said Carol Pullen, Ed.D., principle investigator of the grant and professor in the UNMC College of Nursing. “Changes in diet and exercise to promote weight loss and weight regain can significantly change the risk.
The study is designed so women can work toward lifestyle change at home via Internet access rather than in organized groups.
Central Community College is providing office space to house two local nurses on the UNMC research team. An advisory board of 15 people from Columbus and surrounding counties has been formed. The board has been instrumental in identifying community resources,” Dr. Pullen said. “We’re grateful for their support and partnership with Central Community College.”
Basic requirements of the study are access to a computer and the Internet. Study participants will make about eight visits over about two years to Central Community College in Columbus to receive initial and periodic assessments by two local nurses on the research team. Women will fill out surveys, get blood work, blood pressure, and a fitness assessment.
The research will be conducted in three phases over 30 months: an intensive weight loss phase, intensive weight maintenance phase followed by guided weight maintenance as women are supported in making lifestyle changes in weight management. The goal for weight loss will be to lose 10 percent of body weight with an eating plan based on their body mass index and promoting decreased calories and lower fat consumption.
The research team includes a variety of health disciplines, including Patricia Hageman, Ph.D., professor in physical therapy education in the UNMC School of Allied Health Professions. She said, “Increasing women’s physical activity to recommended levels is essential for preventing weight regain.”
Matt Gotschall, Ph.D., president of Central Community College – Columbus Campus, is pleased about the college’s involvement.
“This is an opportunity to help hundreds of area women and their families,” Dr. Gotschall said. “Through providing facilities for the study, we are further enhancing the long-standing relationship between CCC and UNMC. For decades we have had students successfully transfer to UNMC for advanced health degrees so glad they sought us out to bring this research study to our community and build upon our positive association.”
For more information, contact Maureen Oberdorfer, project coordinator 402-559-1992 or moberdorfer@unmc.edu or Dr. Pullen, 402-559-6548 or chpullen@unmc.edu.
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