Asthma, Obesity
Conditions
Brief summary
The goal of the study is to investigate the efficacy of an evidence-based weight loss intervention, on a background of quality health care, on asthma control among obese adults. The intervention will employ a combination of recommended dietary and physical activity changes, and behavioral modification techniques.
Interventions
Participants will attend a 15 weekly class sessions during the first 4 months. Classes will be co-lead by a dietician and exercise specialist and will involve a private weigh-in, a group discussion, a presentation of a lifestyle topic, 30 minutes of supervised moderate physical activity, followed by action-planning and goal-setting. During the next 2 months, participants will meet with a dietician on an individual basis for a private weigh-in, personal discussion and problem solving, review of self-monitoring records, and action-planning. The last 6 months will consist of applying and maintaining what has been learned in previous class sessions. Self-monitoring records, questions and problems will be discussed with interventions at least once every 2 months or more frequently if needed.
Sponsors
Study design
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
Participants will meet all of the following: * Age: 18-70 years of age; * Obesity: BMI \>30.0 kg/m2; * Physician-diagnosed asthma that is poorly controlled: * Documented diagnosis of asthma on the current medical problem list * Currently prescribed an anti-asthma medication * Overall score \<20 on the Asthma Control Test (ACT)64 or a score\<3 on any of the first four ACT questions regarding symptoms, nighttime awakening, interference with normal activity, and SABA use for symptom relief * Demonstrable airway reversibility * Seen in primary care at Kaiser at least once in the preceding 24 months; * KPNC member for \>1 year.
Exclusion criteria
Any of the following will exclude participants from the study: * Inability to speak, read or understand English; * Intermittent asthma, defined as either seasonal asthma or (daytime asthma symptoms \< 2x/week and nocturnal symptoms \< 2x/month and no use of long-term control medications); * Diagnosis of COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) on the current medical problem list or suggested by spirometry at baseline; * Unwilling to attempt weight loss, including unwillingness to perform self-monitoring; * Body weight change (+/-) \> 10 pounds or use of weight-loss medications in the preceding 3 months; * Inability to perform pulmonary function tests by spirometry in a consistent manner; * Significant medical co-morbidities, including uncontrolled metabolic disorders (e.g., thyroid, diabetes, renal, liver), unstable heart disease, heart failure, and ongoing substance abuse; * Diagnosis of psychiatric disorders that would limit adequate informed consent or ability to comply with study protocol; * Regular use of medications that can cause weight gain (e.g., oral corticosteroids, insulin, certain oral hypoglycemics, certain antidepressants, etc.); * Under treatment for cancer or another condition that may prevent completion of follow-up; * Diagnosis of a terminal illness and/or in hospice care; * Use of a pacemaker or other implanted medical devices; * Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or lactating; * Actively enrolled in a care management program focused on weight loss at Kaiser or elsewhere; * Already enrolled or planning to enroll in a research study that would limit full participation in the study or confound the observation and interpretation of the study's findings; * Family household member already enrolled in the study; * No longer receiving primary care from Kaiser, or planning not to do so within the study period; * PCP determination that the study is inappropriate or unsafe for the patient; * Investigator discretion for clinical safety or protocol adherence reasons.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Asthma Control Questionnaire | Baseline, 6- and 12-months |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Quality of Life | Baseline, 6- and 12-months |
| Symptom-free days | Baseline, 6- and 12-month |
| Asthma-related and total health care utilization | Baseline, 6- and 12-month |
| Lung function | Baseline, 6-, and 12-months |
| Adverse Events | 6- and 12-months |
| Patient Satisfaction | Baseline and 12-month |
| BMI, diet, and physical activity | Baseline, 6- and 12-months |
Countries
United States