What to Eat for Lunch? A Pilot Study to Improve Healthier Eating at Work

NCT ID: NCT01674751

Last Updated: 2014-02-24

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 31 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2012-06-30
• Study Completion Date: 2013-12-31

Brief Summary

This pilot study will test the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a novel approach to improve food choices by employees about what to eat for lunch. The intervention involves the testing of an on-line pre-ordering food program with nutritional information linked to a hospital cafeteria. In this study, the investigators use positive reinforcement of feedback and price discounts during the intervention phase, and then withdraw those components in order to assess the potential for changes to be retained after the study is over.

The study draws on principles from the field of behavioral economics and behavioral change. The investigators test the effectiveness of the intervention with 30 employees (study participants) who are overweight or obese. Based on a recent screening of over 5600 Einstein employees, 66% of those screened were identified as either overweight or obese. There are 3 phases to the trial: baseline (P1), 4 week intervention, (P2) and tapering (intervention without reinforcement) (P3). Participants are randomized to one of two groups (intervention and wait-listed controls).

Our primary hypotheses are that:

1. Participants will purchase lunches with fewer calories during the intervention compared to baseline.

2. Participants will purchases lunches with fewer calories in the tapering phase compared to baseline.

Secondary hypotheses include that, compared with baseline, participants will order lunches with less fat. Changes in participant weight based on self selected goals, and in a measure of mindful eating will also be investigated. The investigators expect that participant adherence will be associated with improved outcomes compared to those who are less adherent.

Conditions

Dietary Habits

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

Immediate intervention

Group begins the 4 week Pre-Ordering Program intervention immediately following a 4-wk baseline period.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Pre-ordering program

Intervention Type: OTHER

During the 4 week intervention phase, participants use the pre-ordering program, receive a novel, "smart receipt" upon checkout that will detail the caloric and fat content of what they ordered, and receive price discounts for select low calorie and low fat items. The pre-ordering system is designed to provide the opportunity for the individual to see what is available along with nutritional information and to make a selection ahead of time.

Wait-listed control

Group begins the 4 week Pre-Ordering Program intervention following an 8-wk baseline period.

Group Type: OTHER

Pre-ordering program

Intervention Type: OTHER

During the 4 week intervention phase, participants use the pre-ordering program, receive a novel, "smart receipt" upon checkout that will detail the caloric and fat content of what they ordered, and receive price discounts for select low calorie and low fat items. The pre-ordering system is designed to provide the opportunity for the individual to see what is available along with nutritional information and to make a selection ahead of time.

Interventions

Pre-ordering program

During the 4 week intervention phase, participants use the pre-ordering program, receive a novel, "smart receipt" upon checkout that will detail the caloric and fat content of what they ordered, and receive price discounts for select low calorie and low fat items. The pre-ordering system is designed to provide the opportunity for the individual to see what is available along with nutritional information and to make a selection ahead of time.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Interested in improving their food choices as it relates to healthier eating and weight loss
• Adult employee at large, urban hospital in Philadelphia at which study is being conducted
• Eats at least 4 lunch meals a week at study cafeteria
• BMI greater than or equal to 25.0 (based on standard classification).
• Willingness to allow researchers to collect data about their lunch purchases
• Willingness to "swipe" their employee card for lunch purchases during the study
• Access to a computer at work
• Capable of providing informed consent
• Has a way of being contacted by telephone, email, fax, or receiving a text message

Exclusion Criteria

• Planning to terminate hospital employment within the next 4 months
• Individuals unable to consent
• Individuals who are not yet adults
• Employees who are pregnant
• Employees with hypertension, dyslipidemia or coronary artery disease whose medical therapy has changed in the past 3 months.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Aramark Healthcare

UNKNOWN

Sponsor Role: collaborator

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Etienne Phipps

Director Einstein Urban Health

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Etienne J Phipps, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network

Locations

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Countries

United States

Other Identifiers

HN 4262

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id