Remotely delivered and clinic-delivered lifestyle interventions produced similar effects on the diet quality of participants

Aim The study examined the effect of delivery modes on diet quality of participants in a lifestyle intervention at 6 and 12 months. Subject and methods Adults with overweight or obesity ( N = 290) were recruited and randomly selected for remotely delivered (via Twitter) and clinic-delivered lifestyle intervention conditions. The Diabetes Prevention Program curriculum was used for the clinic-delivered condition and adapted for the remote condition. Participants’ dietary intake was assessed using the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour dietary recall at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Diet quality at baseline, 6 and 12 months was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015. Mixed-model regression and Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons were used. Results Total and component HEI scores did not differ by intervention delivery mode over time ( P s > 0.05). However, a main effect of time was observed. Six out of 13 component HEI scores improved significantly in both delivery modes across time points; total vegetable and whole grain intake increased at 6 and 12 months. Total greens intake increased only at 6 months. Added sugars and saturated fat intake decreased at both 6 and 12 months, while refined grains decreased at 12 months. Conclusion A remotely delivered lifestyle intervention was just as effective at improving diet quality as a clinic-delivered version.