Extending Legacy Benefits of Obesity Reduction

The purpose of this study is to 1) utilize experiences from obese older adults who have previously completed a weight loss intervention and experts in the field to develop a program of novel telehealth technologies to maintain and extend the legacy benefits of obesity treatment, and 2) evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, fidelity of this treatment in a pilot study of obese, functionally frail older adults. This study will be conducted in two parts. In Aim 1, we will conduct semi-structured interviews with 1) past participants who have maintained their weight loss and functional improvements, to identify facilitators of their success, and 2) past participants who have not maintained their functional improvements, to identify behaviors leading to their treatment relapse. Utilizing the information obtained from the semi-structured interviews and in consultation with experts in the area of telehealth, we will create a novel program of tele-nutrition and tele-exercise to maintain and extend the functional and quality of life benefits previously achieved. In Aim 2, we will conduct a 3-month intervention of tele-nutrition and tele-exercise in 10 older adults who have successfully completed an obesity intervention and determine its feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity. Qualitative and quantitative analytical approaches will be conducted to determine facilitators and barriers to weight maintenance and feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity to the pilot intervention.