Mentoring in mHealth and Social Networking Interventions for CVD Risk Reduction

The overarching goal of the research plan is to test ways to leverage mobile technologies and
social media to increase the impact, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and dissemination
potential of lifestyle interventions that reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Mobile
technology and social media have the potential to reduce the intensity of traditional
prevention interventions and enhance outcome by delivering behavioral strategies
in-the-moment and by connecting patients other patients to generate better communication and
a social support system for lifestyle changes.

This study includes a behavioral weight loss program delivered entirely via on online social
network. The weight loss intervention is based on the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), an
evidence-based weight loss program focused on lifestyle changes. The goals for the
intervention are 175 minutes of moderate physical activity per week and an overall weight
loss of 7%. Each participant will get an individualized calorie goal that would facilitate a
1-2 lbs. weight loss weekly. Participants will be connected to one another via Facebook and
receive behavioral counseling via posts from coaches who are present on the network daily.
Participants will track their diet and exercise via a free commercial mobile app.
Participants will be assigned to either a Facebook group allowing the invite of friends or a
Facebook group including only study participants. If they are assigned to the group including
their friends, they have the opportunity to invite their friends to participate in the weight
loss group if they are interested in losing weight as well. Friends of friends may also be
invited. They will not have a limit as to how many friends they can invite. Facebook has a
feature which will allow anyone to invite friends into a group. The friends that are invited
will not undergo the same procedures as the FB+friends study participants, but we will
provide them with a factsheet and collect minimal information from them. Feasibility outcomes
include engagement (frequency of posts, likes, and comments and number of completed days of
tracking posted) retention, acceptability, and weight loss. Post intervention focus groups
will gather feedback on the program.

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants must be:

1. 18-65 years of age;

2. have a BMI 30-45 kg/m²;

3. have written clearance from their primary care provider to participate; and

4. have daily internet access;

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age under 18 or over 65;

2. BMI under 25 or over 45;

3. No medical clearance from primary care provider;

4. Inactive engagement on Facebook;

5. Does not currently use a smartphone;

6. Is not familiar with using phone apps;

7. Plans to move during study;

8. Pregnant/lactating;

9. Had bariatric surgery, plans to during the study, or had recent weight loss;

10. Condition that precludes lifestyle changes (i.e. a condition that prevents physical
activity increase or dietary changes);

11. Medications affecting weight;

12. Incapable of walking ¼ mile without stopping;

13. Type 1 or 2 diabetes;

14. Participated in previous weight loss studies under the PI;

15. Is a UMass employee and is uncomfortable participating in a Facebook group with other
UMass employees

16. Unable to attend the orientation visit;

17. Inability to provide consent;

18. Prisoners; and

19. Has concerns about being audiotaped

Friends of the subjects participating in the FB+friends and FB w/o friends conditions:

1. Must be: at least 18 years old;

2. BMI of 25 or over; and

3. Have an interest in losing weight.