Optimising a digitally delivered behavioural weight loss programme: a factorial cluster randomised controlled trial

Digital interventions are widely used for weight management, so optimising their effectiveness and retention is vital. This 2⁴ factorial trial tested four components added to a commercial programme: a health coach introductory call, coaching webchat sessions, goal-setting statements, and food diary reviews plus feedback. The objective was to identify the optimal combination of these four intervention components to improve weight loss outcomes.

Adults meeting the eligibility criterion of BMI ≥ 21 kg/m² who enrolled in the programme (n = 1335; 90.8% with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) were randomised to one of 16 conditions. The primary outcome was weight change at 16-weeks; secondary and exploratory outcomes included weight change at 4- and 24-weeks, programme drop-out, and engagement. Per-protocol analyses considered effects in those who engaged with the component.

The introductory call showed no effect at 16-weeks but was associated with a 1 kg greater weight loss at 24-weeks (p = 0.002), which did not persist in the per-protocol analysis. The food diary component was associated with less weight loss ( + 0.52 kg at 16 weeks, p = 0.07; +0.74 kg at 24 weeks, p = 0.02). Factorial optimisation trials could be a useful approach for empirically testing intervention components before implementation in commercial programmes.

Findings indicate that programmes may benefit from offering low-intensity human-supported components, while considering the potential burden of more complex features. Pre-registered 05/01/2024 (ISRCTN, ISRCTN14407868). The intervention was delivered by Second Nature, who also covered the costs associated with its delivery.

This study and GMW’s time on this project were funded by a Medical Research Council (MRC) iCASE studentship [grant number: MR/R015708/1]. DAK is supported by a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Advanced Fellowship [grant number: NIHR302549]. JS is supported by a NIHR Health Technology Assessment award [grant number: NIHR132317].

SAJ is supported by the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre [grant number: IS-BRC-1215–20008] and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Oxford and Thames Valley [grant number: NIHR200172]. The funder(s) had no role in the design of the trial, data collection, analysis, interpretation of data, or in the writing of this manuscript. Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Gina M.