A non-randomized comparison of engagement and outcomes for in-person versus virtual delivery of the Partner2Lose weight management trial.

Objective: Existing behavioral weight management interventions produce clinically meaningful weight loss. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the quick transition of such interventions from in-person to virtual platforms. This provided a unique opportunity to compare engagement and outcomes for an in-person versus virtually delivered weight management intervention.

Methods: A non-randomized comparison of engagement and weight outcomes was performed between two cohorts who participated in a weight management intervention in person ( = 97) versus three who participated virtually via videoconference ( = 134). Various metrics of engagement were examined, including group class and individual phone call attendance and duration, and retention for weight assessments. Behavioral targets of daily caloric intake and step-counts and the clinical weight outcome were explored.

Results: Cohorts (mean [standard deviation] age 47.3 (11.5), 67.1% women: 86.8% White) that participated virtually attended more group sessions ( < 0.001) and had maintenance telephone calls that were of a longer duration ( < 0.001). No other engagement or weight outcomes significantly differed by delivery modality.

Conclusions: Virtual weight management programs are promising and may generate similar outcomes to those delivered in-person. Future research should seek to understand how best to promote and sustain engagement in virtual interventions.