The SHED-IT community trial: a randomized controlled trial of internet- and paper-based weight loss programs tailored for overweight and obese men.

Background: There is limited evidence for effective obesity treatment programs that engage men.

Purpose: This study evaluated the efficacy of two gender-tailored weight loss interventions for men, which required no face-to-face contact.

Methods: This was a three-arm, randomized controlled trial: (1) Resources (n = 54), gender-tailored weight loss materials (DVD, handbooks, pedometer, tape measure); (2) Online (n = 53), Resources materials plus study website and e-feedback; and (3) Wait-list control (n = 52). The interventions lasted 3 months and were grounded in Social Cognitive Theory.

Results: At 6 months, significantly greater weight loss was observed for the Online (-4.7 kg; 95 % CI -6.1, -3.2) and Resources (-3.7 kg; 95 % CI -4.9, -2.5) groups compared to the control (-0.5 kg; 95 % CI -1.4, 0.4). Additionally, both intervention groups significantly improved body mass index, percent body fat, waist circumference, blood pressure, physical activity, quality of life, alcohol risk, and portion size, compared to controls.

Conclusions: Men achieved significant weight loss after receiving novel, minimal-contact, gender-tailored programs, which were designed for widespread dissemination.