The Leisure-time Activity and Nutrition Program

In adult observational studies, TV viewing has been positively related to overweight and
obesity. It is theorized that TV watching influences eating and activity behaviors, such that
with greater TV watching less physical activity and greater consumption of energy occurs,
producing a positive energy balance state. While no experimental research has been conducted
with adults examining the influence of reducing TV watching on weight status, experimental
research conducted with children does indicate that lower levels of TV watching can produce
reduced energy intake and greater levels of physical activity. Most importantly,
family-based, behavioral childhood obesity interventions that have targeted reducing
sedentary behaviors (which includes TV watching) have found that as compared to targeting
increasing physical activity during treatment, similar increases in activity and fitness
occur, but that greater weight loss and greater increases in liking for physical activity
occur when sedentary behaviors, as compared to physical activity, are targeted in
family-based behavioral childhood weight control programs.

All participants in the investigation will receive a standard 8-week behavioral obesity
intervention. The intervention will include a reduced caloric prescription (1200-1500
kcal/day) and fat gram prescription (30% or less kcals from fat). One condition will receive
an activity goal (200 minutes/week of moderate-intense physical activity [Physical
Activity]), while the other condition will receive a TV watching goal (10 hours/week) and a
physical activity goal (200 minutes/week of moderate-intense physical activity [TV + Physical
Activity]. Participants will be assessed at 0 and 9 weeks (pre- and post-intervention) on
measures of dietary intake, physical activity, TV watching, time-use, motivation, liking of
physical activity and TV watching, and weight.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 45 kg/m2

- Watch > 16 hours per week of TV

- Engage in < 100 minutes of moderate-intense physical activity per week

Exclusion Criteria:

- Report a heart condition, chest pain during periods of activity or rest, or loss of
consciousness on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).

- Individuals self-reporting joint problems, prescription medication usage related to
heart conditions, or other medical conditions that could limit exercise will be
required to obtain written physician consent to participate.

- Report being unable to walk for 2 blocks (1/4 mile) without stopping.

- Report no TVs in the home or 5 or more TVs in the home viewed by the participant (TVs
in participant's children's bedrooms will not be counted)

- Are unwilling to have TV Allowances attached to TVs in the home.

- Report other household members are unwilling to use the TV Allowance.

- Report major psychiatric diseases or organic brain syndromes via a phone screen.

- Are currently participating in a weight loss program and/or taking weight loss
medication or lost > 5% of body weight during the past 6 months.

- Are currently participating in a program to increase physical activity and/or decrease
TV watching time.

- Intend to move to another city within the time frame of the investigation.

- Are pregnant, lactating, less than 6 months post-partum, or plan to become pregnant
during the time frame of the investigation.

- Have had gastric surgery for weight loss.

- Are unwilling to attend weekly sessions.