After weight loss, people often find it difficult to maintain their new weight and many regain the weight that they lost. Growing evidence suggests that interventions based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may be more effective than standard treatments for longer-term weight control.
What treatments were we looking at?
The SWiM feasibility study tested two interventions which are designed to help people maintain weight loss after completing a weight management programme. Participants were randomly allocated to either:
What did we hope to find out?
We looked at whether the two treatment options help participants to maintain their weight loss. We also got feedback from participants about their experience of the treatment options and the study in general.
How did we do this?
We did this by running a research study (called a trial). We recruited participants and randomly assign them into one of two groups: one group received ‘SWiM’; and one group received standard advice materials. All participants were asked to complete online questionnaires at the beginning of the study and 6 months later so we could measure changes in weight and other outcomes. After the study ended, we also interviewed a small sample of participants to find out about their experiences of taking part in these interventions.
Who can take part?
Recruitment to the SWiM feasibility study has now finished. Many thanks to everyone who contacted us to enquire about participating in this study, and enabled us to reach our recruitment target.
Please find a summary of the results below:
You can read the Participant Information Sheet below.
If you have any questions please email us at swim.study@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk
