An ACT-enhanced Weight Management and Fitness Program for Navy Personnel

The proposed study is a cohort-randomized controlled trial of ACT-enhanced SS (ACT+SS)
compared to the standard SS-only program. Cohorts of Navy personnel (N = 280 across 28
cohorts) who are referred to the SS program due to failing or being at risk of failing the
body composition assessment (BCA) or who are overweight/obese will be randomized to receive 8
weekly ACT+SS intervention groups or 8 weekly standard SS-only intervention groups. The
scientific aims are to: 1) determine the effectiveness of ACT+SS compared to the standard
SS-only program; 2) examine psychological flexibility as a mechanism underlying intervention
response; and 3) explore potential moderators of intervention response. The primary outcome
is the percent weight loss. Secondary outcomes include BMI, body fat %, indices of physical
activity, problem eating, functioning and quality of life, emotional functioning and indices
of psychological flexibility, measured at baseline, mid- and post-intervention, and 3- and
6-month follow-up and self-reported BCA status at 6-month follow-up. The investigators have
purposefully designed a cohort-randomized trial with interventions that are pragmatically
implemented in a real-life military setting, and outcomes that are immediately relevant to
service members and leadership. The cohort randomization is essential to the feasibility and
acceptability of the research in this setting. The military-relevant and generalizable
findings are more likely to have impact within the military. SS provides an ideal comparison
arm that is the current standard of practice in the Navy. Integrating ACT with SS in this
setting overcomes many of the logistical, practical, chain-of-command, and other challenges
that have typically impeded research in the military. The investigators have thoughtfully
selected primary and secondary outcomes that are theoretically linked, and additional
assessments that are empirically-based and will allow better understanding of mediators and
moderators of intervention response in Navy personnel.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Navy Personnel eligible for ShipShape program at Naval Medical Center San Diego

- 18-69 years of age

- Willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

- Any physical limitations (injuries, pregnancy, etc.) that preclude engagement in the
physical fitness component of ShipShape