Baseline characteristics of a randomized cohort of black women enrolled in a stress-management enhanced behavioral weight loss intervention

This report describes the baseline characteristics of our randomized cohort, and the relationships among weight, perceived psychological stress, diet, and physical activity (PA) at baseline. Eligible participants were Black/African-American women, 21–75 years old, with obesity and elevated stress levels (PSS-10 ≥ 13) in the Tampa Bay area. Participants (n = 343) were randomized to BWL-Stress or BWL-Alone, of which baseline data for 338 participants were used for these analyses.

There were 172 BWL-Alone and 166 BWL-Stress participants. Ages ranged from 22 to 74 years (mean ± SD, 49.8 ± 11.8). Mean BMI was 40.5 (± 7.5) kg/m2.

The mean PSS-10 score was 22.4 (± 5.3). Significant differences in main outcome variables (i.e., weight, BMI, perceived stress) were observed between treatment groups at baseline. Participants who engaged in PA at least once per week had lower weight (r(337)= -0.11, p = 0.04).

There was a significant correlation between weekday energy intake and PSS-10 (r(254) = 0.13, p = 0.033). Significant correlations among demographic variables and weight and PSS-10 were also observed. The RESET study has successfully randomized a large cohort of Black/African-American women with obesity and self-reported elevated stress levels.

Baseline analyses demonstrate significant associations among weight, stress, and demographic characteristics. The study will longitudinally examine the effects of the intervention on weight loss outcomes over a 1-year period. Trial registration: Clinical trials # NCT04335799, 06/04/2020.

Automated self-administered 24-hour dietary assessment tool Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire Reducing Weight and Elevated Stress Levels Using Educational and Behavioral Tools We would like to thank our funders for the generous support of this work. We would like to acknowledge the PEARL at Moffit Cancer Center which provides critical infrastructure to support our work. We also thank the Community Advisory Board for guidance in implementation of this study.