Trial Outcomes & Findings for Facebook and Friends: Developing an Effective Online Social Network for Weight Loss (NCT NCT02656680)

NCT ID: NCT02656680

Last Updated: 2024-03-21

Results Overview

Number of Facebook "likes" and other reactions, replies, posts, and polls per participant during the 16 week program.

• Recruitment status: COMPLETED
• Study phase: NA
• Target enrollment: 134 participants
• Primary outcome timeframe: 4 months
• Results posted on: 2024-03-21

Participant Flow

At the start of the 16-week trial, we randomized participants (n=80) to two groups: 'Facebook (FB)+Friends' (n=40) or 'FB Only' (n=40). For the first 8 weeks of the trial, we continued to add new participants (n=54) into the 'FB+Friends' group. Our total enrollment (n=134) includes these 54 post-randomized participants. We did not include the post-randomized sample in the analysis for this record.

Participant milestones

Measure	FB+Friends FB+Friends is a Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention. The study team will keep recruitment open for this condition to allow enrollment through week 8. Participants will receive a weight loss intervention delivered in an online context. The online coaches will post daily content, respond to questions, address concerns, and encourage engagement. 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 also be encouraged to use an app such as MyFitnessPal to track daily diet. For this arm, the study team will keep recruitment open for this condition to allow enrollment of new participants through week 8.	FB Only FB Only Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention including only study participants. FB Only: Participants will receive a weight loss intervention delivered in an online context. The online coaches will post daily content, respond to questions, address concerns, and encourage engagement. 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 also be encouraged to use an app such as MyFitnessPal to track daily diet.	Non-Randomized Participants in FB+Friends Group These participants were recruited into the FB+Friends group through week 8 of the intervention
Overall Study STARTED	40	40	54
Overall Study COMPLETED	40	39	47
Overall Study NOT COMPLETED	0	1	7

Reasons for withdrawal

Measure	FB+Friends FB+Friends is a Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention. The study team will keep recruitment open for this condition to allow enrollment through week 8. Participants will receive a weight loss intervention delivered in an online context. The online coaches will post daily content, respond to questions, address concerns, and encourage engagement. 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 also be encouraged to use an app such as MyFitnessPal to track daily diet. For this arm, the study team will keep recruitment open for this condition to allow enrollment of new participants through week 8.	FB Only FB Only Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention including only study participants. FB Only: Participants will receive a weight loss intervention delivered in an online context. The online coaches will post daily content, respond to questions, address concerns, and encourage engagement. 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 also be encouraged to use an app such as MyFitnessPal to track daily diet.	Non-Randomized Participants in FB+Friends Group These participants were recruited into the FB+Friends group through week 8 of the intervention
Overall Study Lost to Follow-up	0	1	7

Baseline Characteristics

Facebook and Friends: Developing an Effective Online Social Network for Weight Loss

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Measure	FB+Friends n=40 Participants FB+Friends is a Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention. For this group, the study team continued to enroll participants through week 8. FB + Friends: Participants will receive a weight loss intervention delivered in an online context. The online coaches will post daily content, respond to questions, address concerns, and encourage engagement. 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 also be encouraged to use an app such as MyFitnessPal to track daily diet. For this arm, the study team will keep recruitment open for this condition to allow enrollment of new participants through week 8.	FB Only n=40 Participants FB Only Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention including only study participants. FB Only: Participants will receive a weight loss intervention delivered in an online context. The online coaches will post daily content, respond to questions, address concerns, and encourage engagement. 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 also be encouraged to use an app such as MyFitnessPal to track daily diet.	Non-Randomized Participants in FB+Friends Group n=54 Participants This group of participants were enrolled into the FB+Friends group during weeks 1-8 of the intervention, thereby receiving the same intervention as that group.	Total n=134 Participants Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous	40.0 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.6 • n=5 Participants	40.4 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.8 • n=7 Participants	40.3 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.6 • n=5 Participants	40.2 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.2 • n=4 Participants
Sex: Female, Male Female	34 Participants n=5 Participants	34 Participants n=7 Participants	50 Participants n=5 Participants	118 Participants n=4 Participants
Sex: Female, Male Male	6 Participants n=5 Participants	6 Participants n=7 Participants	4 Participants n=5 Participants	16 Participants n=4 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Hispanic or Latino	1 Participants n=5 Participants	3 Participants n=7 Participants	4 Participants n=5 Participants	8 Participants n=4 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Not Hispanic or Latino	39 Participants n=5 Participants	36 Participants n=7 Participants	50 Participants n=5 Participants	125 Participants n=4 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported	0 Participants n=5 Participants	1 Participants n=7 Participants	0 Participants n=5 Participants	1 Participants n=4 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) American Indian or Alaska Native	0 Participants n=5 Participants	0 Participants n=7 Participants	0 Participants n=5 Participants	0 Participants n=4 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) Asian	0 Participants n=5 Participants	0 Participants n=7 Participants	2 Participants n=5 Participants	2 Participants n=4 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander	0 Participants n=5 Participants	0 Participants n=7 Participants	0 Participants n=5 Participants	0 Participants n=4 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) Black or African American	3 Participants n=5 Participants	3 Participants n=7 Participants	4 Participants n=5 Participants	10 Participants n=4 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) White	36 Participants n=5 Participants	36 Participants n=7 Participants	44 Participants n=5 Participants	116 Participants n=4 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) More than one race	1 Participants n=5 Participants	0 Participants n=7 Participants	3 Participants n=5 Participants	4 Participants n=4 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported	0 Participants n=5 Participants	1 Participants n=7 Participants	1 Participants n=5 Participants	2 Participants n=4 Participants
Region of Enrollment United States	40 participants n=5 Participants	40 participants n=7 Participants	54 participants n=5 Participants	134 participants n=4 Participants
Body Mass Index	34.0 kg/m^2 STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.6 • n=5 Participants	34.8 kg/m^2 STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.4 • n=7 Participants	34.5 kg/m^2 STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.3 • n=5 Participants	34.4 kg/m^2 STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.0 • n=4 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 4 months

Population: Wave 2 All Randomized

Number of Facebook "likes" and other reactions, replies, posts, and polls per participant during the 16 week program.

Outcome measures

Measure	FB+Friends n=40 Participants FB+Friends is a Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention. The study team will keep recruitment open for this condition to allow enrollment through week 8.	FB Only n=40 Participants FB Only Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention including only study participants.	Non-Randomized Participants in FB+Friends Group n=54 Participants These participants were recruited into the FB+Friends group during weeks 1-8.
Engagement	77.00 Total Engagements Interval 29.25 to 271.5	116.50 Total Engagements Interval 28.5 to 174.0	46.0 Total Engagements Interval 25.75 to 96.25

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 4 months

Population: Wave 2 Only

The number of participants who complete the follow-up assessment in each condition.

Outcome measures

Measure	FB+Friends n=40 Participants FB+Friends is a Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention. The study team will keep recruitment open for this condition to allow enrollment through week 8.	FB Only n=40 Participants FB Only Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention including only study participants.	Non-Randomized Participants in FB+Friends Group n=54 Participants These participants were recruited into the FB+Friends group during weeks 1-8.
Retention	40 Participants	39 Participants	47 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 4 months

Population: Wave 2 Participants Who Completed Acceptability Survey Question

Participants will rate acceptability of the online intervention. Acceptability was assessed with a single item during the follow-up survey: "How likely are you to recommend the program to a friend?" (responses on a 5-point Likert scale from not at all likely to very likely). Acceptability was categorized into acceptable, defined as responses of a little bit likely, somewhat likely, likely, and very likely, and unacceptable was defined as response of not at all likely.

Outcome measures

Measure	FB+Friends n=35 Participants FB+Friends is a Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention. The study team will keep recruitment open for this condition to allow enrollment through week 8.	FB Only n=39 Participants FB Only Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention including only study participants.	Non-Randomized Participants in FB+Friends Group n=47 Participants These participants were recruited into the FB+Friends group during weeks 1-8.
Number of Participants Rating the Intervention 'Acceptable	31 Participants	36 Participants	44 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to 4 months

Population: Randomized Sample; FB Only condition excludes 1 participant for pregnancy

We calculated percent weight loss from baseline to 4 months.

Outcome measures

Measure	FB+Friends n=40 Participants FB+Friends is a Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention. The study team will keep recruitment open for this condition to allow enrollment through week 8.	FB Only n=39 Participants FB Only Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention including only study participants.	Non-Randomized Participants in FB+Friends Group n=51 Participants These participants were recruited into the FB+Friends group during weeks 1-8.
Percent Weight Loss	-3.0844 percent change Standard Deviation 4.28	-1.8713 percent change Standard Deviation 4.41	-2.8 percent change Standard Deviation 4.5

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 4 Months

Population: randomized wave 2 sample

The percentage of intervention days that a participant tracked diet and/or exercise in MyFitnessPal app. Any entry was counted as a day of tracking.

Outcome measures

Measure	FB+Friends n=40 Participants FB+Friends is a Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention. The study team will keep recruitment open for this condition to allow enrollment through week 8.	FB Only n=40 Participants FB Only Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention including only study participants.	Non-Randomized Participants in FB+Friends Group n=54 Participants These participants were recruited into the FB+Friends group during weeks 1-8.
Diet	37.87 percentage of days of diet tracking Standard Deviation 29.49	32.41 percentage of days of diet tracking Standard Deviation 31.00	30.12 percentage of days of diet tracking Standard Deviation 28.97

Adverse Events

FB+Friends

Serious events: 0 serious events

Other events: 13 other events

Deaths: 0 deaths

FB Only

Serious events: 0 serious events

Other events: 6 other events

Deaths: 0 deaths

Non-Randomized Participants in FB+Friends Group

Serious events: 0 serious events

Other events: 0 other events

Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Measure	FB+Friends n=40 participants at risk FB+Friends is a Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention. The study team will keep recruitment open for this condition to allow enrollment through week 8. Participants will receive a weight loss intervention delivered in an online context. The online coaches will post daily content, respond to questions, address concerns, and encourage engagement. 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 also be encouraged to use an app such as MyFitnessPal to track daily diet. For this arm, the study team will keep recruitment open for this condition to allow enrollment of new participants through week 8.	FB Only n=40 participants at risk FB Only Facebook-delivered weight loss intervention including only study participants. FB Only: Participants will receive a weight loss intervention delivered in an online context. The online coaches will post daily content, respond to questions, address concerns, and encourage engagement. 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 also be encouraged to use an app such as MyFitnessPal to track daily diet.	Non-Randomized Participants in FB+Friends Group n=54 participants at risk Non-Randomized Participants in the FB+Friends Group includes the participants in this condition who enrolled between week 1 and week 8. Participants will receive a weight loss intervention delivered in an online context. The online coaches will post daily content, respond to questions, address concerns, and encourage engagement. 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 also be encouraged to use an app such as MyFitnessPal to track daily diet. For this arm, the study team will keep recruitment open for this condition to allow enrollment of new participants through week 8.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Arthritis	5.0% 2/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	0.00% 0/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	0.00% 0/54 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.
General disorders Weight Gain	0.00% 0/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	5.0% 2/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	0.00% 0/54 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.
Surgical and medical procedures Had Surgery or Procedure	10.0% 4/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	5.0% 2/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	0.00% 0/54 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.
General disorders Began Taking Medication Affecting Weight	5.0% 2/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	0.00% 0/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	0.00% 0/54 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.
Pregnancy, puerperium and perinatal conditions Pregnancy	0.00% 0/34 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	2.9% 1/34 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	0.00% 0/54 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders Respiratory Illness	7.5% 3/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	0.00% 0/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	0.00% 0/54 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.
Gastrointestinal disorders Gastrointestinal Illness	2.5% 1/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	0.00% 0/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	0.00% 0/54 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.
Congenital, familial and genetic disorders Losing Vision Due to Genetic Disorder	0.00% 0/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	2.5% 1/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	0.00% 0/54 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.
Psychiatric disorders Binge Eating Disorder	2.5% 1/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	0.00% 0/40 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.	0.00% 0/54 • Adverse events were collected over the period of 16 weeks. Adverse events were assessed during follow-up as well as documented when participants reported them during the intervention. Pregnancy was only assessed with female participants.

Additional Information

Dr. Sherry Pagoto

University of Connecticut

Phone: 8604868979

Email: sherry.pagoto@uconn.edu

Results disclosure agreements

• Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
• Publication restrictions are in place