Strategies To Prevent Weight Gain in Adults: Future Research Needs: Identification of Future Research Needs From Comparative Effectiveness Review No. 97 [Internet]

Objective: To identify and prioritize questions for future research in adult weight gain prevention.

Methods: We identified potential research needs based on gaps identified from a recent systematic review, and then engaged seven stakeholders to participate in a Delphi process to prioritize PICOTS (populations, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, timing, settings) elements. We then used these results to create research questions, which our stakeholders prioritized.

Results: Based on consensus, seven questions were of highest priority: (1) To prevent weight gain in all adults, what is the comparative effectiveness of adding physical activity versus not adding physical activity to a work-based self-management and diet intervention? (2) To prevent weight gain in all adults, what is the comparative effectiveness of adding physical activity versus not adding physical activity to a home-based self-management and diet intervention? (3) To prevent weight gain in all adults, what is the comparative effectiveness of a work-based self-management and physical activity intervention versus a self-management and diet intervention? (4) To prevent weight gain in all adults, what is the comparative effectiveness of a home-based self-management and physical activity intervention versus a self-management and diet intervention? (5) To prevent weight gain in overweight (body mass index [BMI] ≥27kg/m²) adults, what is the comparative effectiveness of adding physical activity versus not adding physical activity to a home-based self-management and diet intervention? (6) To prevent weight gain in overweight (BMI ≥27kg/m²) adults, what is the comparative effectiveness of a home-based self-management and physical activity intervention versus a self-management and diet intervention? (7) To prevent weight gain in young adults (age 18–35), what is the comparative effectiveness of adding physical activity versus not adding physical activity to a home-based self-management and diet intervention?

Conclusion: Stakeholders prioritized strategies to prevent weight gain for all/overweight/young adults in work/home settings, as they may lead to significant benefits from avoiding obesity. Rigorous studies that evaluate high-quality interventions addressing these topics are needed.