Understanding the Rural LEAP Study Results
The Rural LEAP study looked at how effective telephone coaching is for helping people in rural areas lose weight and keep it off. Here’s what the results mean for patients and clinics.
What Worked?
- Participants who received telephone coaching had a better chance of losing weight—34.2% lost more than 10% of their weight compared to only 17.0% in the education-only group.
- Over time, those who got coaching were expected to have slightly lower medical costs, which can help balance out the higher costs of the coaching program.
What Didn’t Work?
- The coaching program was more expensive per person ($555) compared to the education-only program ($27).
- Long-term weight loss maintenance was modest, with only a small difference between groups after five years.
How Does This Help Patients and Clinics?
This study shows that telephone coaching can be a valuable tool for people trying to lose weight, especially in rural areas. Clinics can use these findings to improve their weight loss programs, offering personalized support that can lead to better health outcomes.
Real-World Opportunities
- Hospitals can implement telephone coaching programs to support patients after initial weight loss.
- Doctors can recommend these programs as part of a comprehensive weight management plan.
Measurable Outcomes
Clinics should track the following:
- The percentage of patients achieving significant weight loss (more than 10%).
- Patient-reported health improvements and quality of life.
- Changes in medical costs over time.
AI Tools to Consider
Clinics may explore AI tools that can help with:
- Data collection on patient progress.
- Personalizing coaching sessions based on individual needs.
Step-by-Step Plan for Clinics
- Start small by offering a pilot telephone coaching program to a few patients.
- Gather feedback from participants to improve the program.
- Gradually expand the program based on success rates and patient interest.
- Monitor outcomes and adjust the coaching methods as needed.
For more details on the study, you can read the full research here.
