Study Title
Weight loss, hypertension and mental well-being improvements during COVID-19 with a multicomponent health promotion programme on Zoom: a service evaluation in primary care.
Principal Investigator
Louise Walker, Natalie Smith, Christine Delon.
Affiliation
Bentley Village Surgery, Farnham; Independent Researchers, Winchester and London.
Start Date
June 2020.
End Date
September 2020.
Study Objective
To evaluate outcomes from a remotely delivered, multicomponent weight loss and health promotion programme for primary care patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Short Abstract
This service evaluation assessed the efficacy of a remotely delivered, multicomponent health promotion programme focused on weight loss and cardiometabolic health. Twenty participants completed six Zoom sessions over ten weeks. The programme showed significant improvements in weight loss, blood pressure, and mental well-being, with participants reporting increased confidence in managing their health. The findings suggest that remote health promotion interventions can be effective in addressing weight and cardiometabolic risks during pandemic-related restrictions.
Study Design
Before-and-after without control design, using Zoom for six 90-minute group sessions over ten weeks.
Population
Primary care patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or pre-diabetes.
Sample Size
20 participants.
Inclusion Criteria
Adults aged 18 or older with obesity, type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, or those advised to lose weight.
Exclusion Criteria
None specified.
Intervention/Exposure
A multicomponent programme including low-carbohydrate dietary guidance, physical activity, stress management, and intermittent fasting education.
Outcome Measures
- Weight loss
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Waist circumference
- Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic)
- Mental well-being (assessed by Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale)
Funding Source
Volunteer-led by the Public Health Collaboration charity.
Collaborating Institutions
Bentley Village Surgery, Public Health Collaboration.
Ethics Approval
Not required (service evaluation).
Publication Status
Published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, February 2021.
Keywords
Weight loss, hypertension, mental well-being, COVID-19, low-carbohydrate diet, primary care.
Data Collection Methods
Self-reported weight, BMI, blood pressure, and well-being scores using questionnaires and progress sheets.
Primary Data Availability
Data available upon request.
Contact Information
Louise Walker,