The Health Psychology Department is seeking 60 female university employees ages 25-65 to participate in a free, randomized clinical trial for weight management to compare how in-person vs. Internet-based group therapy can help women lose weight.
“With more than 65 percent of Americans either overweight or obese, identifying ways to help individuals lose or maintain weight is a major public health priority,” said Lesley Lutes, assistant professor of psychology and coordinator of the nine-month study, called Get Active NAU.
Participants in the study will be randomly assigned to either in-person or Internet-based group therapy that focuses on lifestyle changes and problem-solving therapy.
“All participants will receive exactly the same session materials, have the same amount of contact time with a lifestyle coach, and interact in a group-based format,” Lutes said. “The major difference between the two treatment programs is that one is delivered over the Internet and one is delivered in-person.”
As the study requires that each participant be randomly assigned to a group, Lutes said women should sign up for this study only if they are willing to be randomly assigned to either Internet or in-person treatment.
“Overall, we are trying to determine what types of weight loss delivery methods will help women lose weight and keep it off,” Lutes said.
To learn more about the study, including participation criteria, visit http://getactive.nau.edu or contact Lutes at (928) 607-1854.