2021

Stubbs, R. James; Duarte, Cristiana; Palmeira, António L.; Sniehotta, Falko F.; Horgan, Graham; Larsen, Sofus C.; Marques, Marta M.; Evans, Elizabeth H.; Ermes, Miikka; Harjumaa, Marja; Turicchi, Jake; O'Driscoll, Ruari; Scott, Sarah E.; Pearson, Beth; Ramsey, Lauren; Mattila, Elina; Matos, Marcela; Sacher, Paul; Woodward, Euan; Mikkelsen, Marie Louise; Sainsbury, Kirby; Santos, Inês; Encantado, Jorge; Stalker, Carol; Teixeira, Pedro J.; Heitmann, Berit Lilienthal

<p><b>Background:</b> Effective interventions and commercial programmes for weight loss (WL) are widely available, but most people regain weight. Few effective WL maintenance (WLM) solutions exist. The most promising evidence-based behaviour change techniques for WLM are self-monitoring, goal setting, action planning and control, building self-efficacy, and techniques that promote autonomous motivation (e.g., provide choice). Stress management and emotion regulation techniques show potential for prevention of relapse and weight regain. Digital technologies (including networked-wireless tracking technologies, online tools and smartphone apps, multimedia resources, and internet-based support) offer attractive tools for teaching and supporting long-term behaviour change techniques. However, many digital offerings for weight management tend not to include evidence-based content and the evidence base is still limited.</p><p><b>The Project:</b> First, the project examined why, when, and how many European citizens make WL and WLM attempts and how successful they are. Second, the project employed the most up-to-date behavioural science research to develop a digital toolkit for WLM based on 2 key conditions, i.e., self-management (self-regulation and motivation) of behaviour and self-management of emotional responses for WLM. Then, the NoHoW trial tested the efficacy of this digital toolkit in adults who achieved clinically significant (≥5%) WL in the previous 12 months (initial BMI ≥25). The primary outcome was change in weight (kg) at 12 months from baseline. Secondary outcomes included biological, psychological, and behavioural moderators and mediators of long-term energy balance (EB) behaviours, and user experience, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness.</p><p><b>Impact:</b> The project will directly feed results from studies on European consumer behaviour, design and evaluation of digital toolkits self-management of EB behaviours into development of new products and services for WLM and digital health. The project has developed a framework and digital architecture for interventions in the context of EB tracking and will generate results that will help inform the next generation of personalised interventions for effective self-management of weight and health.</p>