Teaching Obesity Treatment Options to Adult Learners (TOTAL): A Multisite RCT

Nearly 8 in 10 Veterans meet criteria for overweight/obesity. Three evidence-based treatment options are available within VA (behavioral weight management \[MOVE!\], obesity medications, and bariatric surgery). However, all treatments are significantly underutilized. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a novel intervention designed to increase obesity treatment initiation and subsequently weight loss within VA. The intervention, Teaching Obesity Treatment Options to Adult Learners (TOTAL), involves an educational video and multiple motivational sessions delivered via telemedicine. If effective, TOTAL could be implemented throughout VA without requiring significant resources and could be integrated into the existing VA behavioral weight management program, MOVE!, which is present at nearly every VA medical center.

Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran * No MOVE! visit attendance within the last 12 months * No previous bariatric surgery * Not currently on weight loss medications * BMI of 30 kg/m2 or 27-29.9 + an obesity-related comorbidity Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or are planning to become pregnant within the study period * Currently breast feeding * Have cancer not in remission * Do not have access to a telephone * Have severe hearing/visual impairment * Weigh more than 420 lbs (due to scale limitations)