Impact of Lifestyle Strategies on Longer-Term Physical Activity and Weight

Background: Lifestyle interventions promote increased physical activity (PA) and weight loss; however, relapse to sedentary behavior and weight regain are common.

Methods: We analyzed baseline and 24-month data from participants in the Slow the Adverse Vascular Effects (SAVE) study. SAVE included an 18-month behavioral intervention. At 24 months, participants completed a survey about lifestyle strategies used in past 6 months. PA levels were assessed with the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire. We compared change in weight, BMI, and PA from baseline to 24 months by use of strategies vs. no use.

Results: 214 participants (61%) completed 24-month visit. 74% were female and 86% were white. At 24 months, 65% used self-monitoring, 67% group/commercial support, 94% other behavioral skills, and 27% used professional support within past 6 months. At 24 months, participants who used self-monitoring (5.2 vs. -0.8 MET-hr/wk; P = .001) and group/commercial support (4.3 vs. 0 MET-hrs/wk; P = .01) had greater PA increases compared with those who did not use strategies. Participants who used other behavioral strategies had a significantly greater percent decrease in weight than those who did not.

Conclusions: Of the lifestyle strategies used following intervention, self-monitoring and group/commercial support may be particularly important in longer-term PA levels.