Evaluation of TeleMOVE: a Telehealth Weight Reduction Intervention for Veterans with Obesity

Abstract

Background: The rates of overweight and obesity are high among United States Veterans, necessitating the development of accessible weight reduction interventions. Purpose: This observational study evaluated the efficacy of a novel home-based telehealth weight loss intervention (TeleMOVE) for Veterans with obesity. Methods: We obtained weight measures of 171 patients before and after one and two 90-day cycles of TeleMOVE. Results: Enrollment in the first 90-day cycle of TeleMOVE was associated with significant weight loss (M = 8.62 lbs, SD = 9.85). Those who subsequently enrolled in the second, identical, cycle lost significantly more weight overall (M = 11.68 lbs, SD = 12.53) than those who only enrolled in the first cycle (M = 5.55 lbs, SD = 8.23). However, this difference was due to two-cycle participants losing significantly more weight during the first cycle alone (M = 10.52, SD = 10.32). Conclusions: TeleMOVE is a promising intervention, warranting a further investigation of its efficacy.