A gender-sensitised weight-loss and healthy living program for men with overweight and obesity in Australian Football League settings (Aussie-FIT): A pilot randomised controlled trial

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003136
• Publication Date: 2020-08-06T17:48:25Z
• Authors: Dominika Kwasnicka; Nikos Ntoumanis; Kate Hunt; Cindy M. Gray; Robert U. Newton; Daniel F. Gucciardi; Cecilie Thøgersen...; Jenny L. Olson; Joanne McVeigh; Deborah A. Kerr; Sally Wyke; Philip J. Morgan; Suzanne Robinson; Marshall Makate; Eleanor Quested
• Keywords: Male; physical activity; Sports Sciences; Pilot Projects; Obese; 796; 0302 clinical medicine; Medicine and Health Sciences; Single-Blind Method; 2. Zero hunger; Behaviour Change; R; blood pressure; Men; General Medicine; Middle Aged; 16. Peace & justice; 3. Good health; Weight Reduction Programs; 2700 Medicine; randomized controlled trials; health program; Medicine; AFL; sports; Randomised Controlled Trial; Research Article; Sports; Adult; alcohol consumption; 610; Intervention; body weight; 03 medical and health sciences; Sex Factors; Weight Loss; overweight; Humans; Healthy Lifestyle; Obesity; sleep; Exercise; Aged; obese; Physical Activity; Western Australia; Overweight; Diet; weight loss; sport; Follow-Up Studies

Background Recent evidence shows that sport settings can act as a powerful draw to engage men in weight loss. The primary objective of this pilot study was test the feasibility delivering and evaluate preliminary efficacy Aussie-FIT, weight-loss program for with overweight/obesity delivered Australian Football League (AFL) settings, preparation future definitive trial. Methods findings This 6-month trial took place Perth, Australia. Participants were overweight/obese (Body Mass Index [BMI] ≥ 28 kg/m2), middle-aged (35–65 years old) men. recruited May 2018, intervention between June December 2018. involved 12 weekly 90-min face-to-face sessions, incorporating physical activity, nutrition, behaviour change information practical activities by coaches at 2 clubs. Data collected baseline immediately postintervention. For purposes, follow-ups completed. Outcomes differences loss (primary outcome) recruitment retention rates, self-reported measures (for example, psychological well-being), device-measured waist size, blood pressure 3 months. Within days advertising each club, 426 registered interest; 306 (72%) eligible. Men selected on first-come first-served basis (n = 130; M age 45.8, SD 8; BMI 34.48 kg/m2, 4.87) randomised blinded researcher. Trial 86% 63% 3- (respectively). No adverse events reported. At months, mean difference groups, adjusted group, 3.3 kg (95% CI 1.9, 4.8) favour group (p < 0.001). group's moderate-to-vigorous activity (MVPA) higher than control 8.54 min/day 1.37, 15.71, p 0.02). MVPA among attracted Aussie-FIT high (intervention arm 35.61 min/day, 38.38 min/day), which may have limited scope improvement. Conclusions feasible deliver; participants increased decreased weight, reported improvements other outcomes. Issues limitation In future, fully powered controlled (RCT), could be improved conducting assessments outside holiday seasons. registration New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12617000515392.