Obesity Research Unit, Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Healthy Weight Hub, Abdominal Centre, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Ann Med. 2024 Dec;56(1):2396562. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2396562. Epub 2024 Sep 4.
Obesity is an important health concern that poses many public health challenges. Evidence-based treatment modalities, capable of cost-effectively reaching large patient groups are needed. In this paper, we present the design and methods of the updated national, 12-month, digital weight management program, the Healthy Weight Coaching (HWC). The major updates, as compared to the previous version, are related to the theoretical background of the obesity management and updated BMI cut-offs. The HWC is available, based on physicians' referrals, to adult Finnish citizens with BMI ≥30 kg/m or ≥27 kg/m with a comorbidity, who have a health-based need to lose weight. Rooted in the principles of behavioural therapy, the HWC focuses on teaching coping skills, guides to healthy self-reflection, and supports concrete lifestyle changes as part of healthy weight loss. The automated weekly training sessions, supplemented by 3-8 exercises, form the basis of the program. These sessions address topics such as diet, physical activity, stress management, and rest and recovery. Additionally, a personal coach is allocated to each patient to provide tailored support. At baseline, patients record their weight, height, and waist circumference, online, and complete questionnaires on lifestyle, diet, physical activity, sleep, psychological factors, and health. Thereafter weight recording is conducted at least every 4 weeks, while the questionnaires and measuring the weight circumference are repeated at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. In addition, patients can make use of diaries and peer group chats for additional support. Data collected from the consenting patients will be used for research purposes with the weight change from baseline to 12 months as the main outcome in the real-life observational study. The study will provide invaluable insights into the application of digital modalities in the treatment of obesity.
肥胖是一个重要的健康问题，带来了许多公共卫生挑战。需要有基于证据的治疗方法，能够以具有成本效益的方式覆盖大量患者群体。在本文中，我们介绍了经过更新的全国性、12 个月、数字化体重管理项目——健康体重指导（HWC）的设计和方法。与前一版本相比，主要的更新涉及肥胖管理的理论背景和更新的 BMI 切点。根据医生的转介，该 HWC 可提供给芬兰成年公民使用，这些人 BMI≥30kg/m²或 BMI≥27kg/m²且伴有合并症，并且基于健康原因需要减肥。HWC 基于行为疗法的原则，侧重于教授应对技能、指导健康自我反思，并支持具体的生活方式改变，以实现健康减肥。每周的自动化培训课程，辅以 3-8 次练习，构成了该计划的基础。这些课程涵盖了饮食、身体活动、压力管理和休息与恢复等主题。此外，还为每位患者分配了一名私人教练，提供个性化支持。在基线时，患者在线记录体重、身高和腰围，并完成生活方式、饮食、身体活动、睡眠、心理因素和健康方面的问卷。此后，至少每 4 周记录一次体重，而问卷和体重腰围测量则在 3、6、9 和 12 个月时重复进行。此外，患者可以使用日记和同伴聊天来获得额外支持。从同意参与的患者那里收集的数据将用于研究目的，以从基线到 12 个月的体重变化作为真实观察研究的主要结果。该研究将为数字化模式在肥胖治疗中的应用提供宝贵的见解。
