TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test the effects of augmenting an evidence-based physical activity intervention within an existing commercial weight loss program to assess effects on increasing physical activity and reducing psychological distress.Design/methodology/approach The CONSORT guidelines were adopted for the study. In total, 49 women with overweight or obesity (M age=39.5, SD:12.4; M Body Mass Index=31.02, SD: 2.10) enrolled in a six week commercial weight loss program were randomized to an intervention or a control group. Participants in the control group received care as usual; participants in the intervention group additionally received an evidence-based intervention to increase physical activity that included behavior change techniques including implementation intentions, goal-setting and self-monitoring.Findings Weekly steps increased in the intervention group (M=31,516.25; SD=9,310.17 to M=62,851.36; SD=13,840.4) significantly more (p<0.001,ηp2=0.32) than in the control group (M=30,207.67; SD=7,833.29) to M=46,969.33 (SD=9,470.96), along with experiencing significantly lower anxiety (p<0.001,ηp2=0.15), social dysfunction (p<0.001,ηp2=0.16) and depression symptoms (p<0.05,ηp2=0.08) at follow-up.Research limitations/implications This intervention warrants extension to those seeking to improve mental health through physical activity.Originality/value This study took a novel approach of augmenting a commercial weight loss program with a theory-based physical activity module, showing positive effects for physical activity behavior and psychological health.
VL  - 19
IS  - 2
SN  - 1746-5729
DO  - 10.1108/JPMH-08-2018-0055
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-08-2018-0055
AU  - Breslin Gavin
AU  - Sweeney Leeanne
AU  - Shannon Stephen
AU  - Murphy Marie
AU  - Hanna Donncha
AU  - Meade Mary
AU  - Armitage Christopher J.
PY  - 2019
Y1  - 2019/01/01
TI  - The effect of an augmented commercial weight loss program on increasing physical activity and reducing psychological distress in women with overweight or obesity: a randomised controlled trial
T2  - Journal of Public Mental Health
PB  - Emerald Publishing Limited
SP  - 145
EP  - 157
Y2  - 2024/04/19
ER  -