High or low intensity text-messaging combined with group treatment equally promote weight loss maintenance in obese adults

Background Text-message and e-mail are emerging as potential methods for improving weight outcomes among obese individuals. The optimal volume, frequency, and timing of such interventions are unknown. This study investigated the effect of adjunct technological support on weight and psychological variables after a 3-month cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) group intervention. Methods Sixty obese adults were randomised to a CBT programme plus intensive (text-message and e-mail; CBT + ITS) or minimal (text-message only; CBT + MTS) technological support. Assessments occurred at baseline, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 15-months. Outcome variables included weight (kg), body mass index (kg/m²), waist circumference (cm), binge-eating tendencies, weight self-efficacy, and weight control cognitions and behaviours. Results CBT + ITS (n = 31) and CBT + MTS (n = 29) participants lost 5.2% (±1.1) and 4.7% (±1.1) of their baseline weight by 3-months, 8.4% (±1.2) and 6.4% (±1.1) by 6-months, 9.6% (±1.3) and 6.4% (±1.3) by 9-months, and sustained a 7.5% (±1.3) and 5.1% (±1.3) loss at 15-months, respectively. There were no significant differences between intensive and minimal support, however, the CBT + ITS group showed a marginal advantage across all anthropometric measures. Conclusions A low intensity text-message support programme is just as effective as higher intensity technological support for maintaining weight loss in obese adults. This represents a low-cost means of aiding weight loss maintenance without reliance on extended face-to-face treatment.