Weight Loss in Videoconference and In-Person iDiet Weight Loss Programs in Worksites and Community Groups

Objective: To examine the association of program delivery factors with weight loss (WL) in enrollees in iDiet VR, a commercial WL program. Methods: Data were from 644 adults enrolling in an 11-week group WL program and 461 who reported weight to 11 weeks (complete reporters). Predictors of % WL were analyzed using ANCOVA, including meeting type (in-person vs. videoconference), participant type (worksite employees vs. community members), age, gender, BMI, and payment structure. Results: Mean starting BMI was 32.4 +/- 7.1 (mean +/- SD); WL was 6.1 +/- 3.9% in all enrollees in an intention-totreat analysis and 7.4 +/- 3.4% in complete reporters. Videoconference participants, older adults, and enrollees in incentivized programs were more likely to be complete reporters (P<0.004).% WL at 11 weeks was not associated with gender, starting BMI, or videoconference versus in-person groups. Worksite participants had greater % WL than community participants (11.2%, P<0.001), and there was no significant difference in% WL between programs paid by the employee or employer. Greater % WL was achieved by individuals >= 30 versus<30 years (12.2%, P<0.001) and by those enrolling in January-March versus April-June (11.4%, P=0.02). Conclusions: iDiet participants had clinically impactful mean WL. The observed high mean WL in worksites and videoconference-delivered programs broadens options for scalable WL program implementation.