A telehealth intervention to promote weight loss and physical activity in overweight primary care patients

Intervention: This pilot study was a 16-week Telehealth intervention using wearable devices, automated text messaging, and trained health coaching, in primary care clinics of an academic medical center. Thirty patients were enrolled in three cohorts, ages 18-64, BMI > 27, and MVPA < 150 minutes per week. The primary outcome was weight loss per week. Results: Twenty-two participants had a significant median weight loss of -0.29 kg per week and mean change of -3.9 kg in total weight, -1.8 in BMI, and -3.8% of total bodyweight (all P<.001). MVPA increased 67 min per week (P=.003). Conclusion: This pilot telehealth intervention suggests that, when combined, these tools may be used effectively by primary care teams to promote weight loss and physical activity in their patients.