Clinical & Web-based Diet & Activity Counseling for Men

• The effect of the intervention on 3 behavioral outcomes: energy expended in moderate and vigorous physical activity during leisure, (b) fruit and vegetable intake, and (c) decreased saturated fat as a percent of energy consumed [ Time Frame: 12 Months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

• evaluate at 12 months the impact of the intervention on three additional dietary behavior outcomes: (a)fiber intake (b)total energy intake, and (c) total fat as a percent of energy consumed. [ Time Frame: 12 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• evaluate the impact of the intervention on physical activity [ Time Frame: 12 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

Behavioral: Diet and physical activity interventions
Weekly web-based intervention that included goal setting, self-monitoring, weekly behavioral skills, nutrition and physical activity tips, and access to a health coach.
Behavioral: Computer technology to tailor, promote and sustain health behavior change & improve health care delivery.
Weekly web-based intervention that included goal setting, self-monitoring, weekly behavioral skills, nutrition and physical activity tips, and access to a health coach.

This is a randomized controlled trial that will evaluate the effects of a Web-based intervention to improve physical activity and dietary behaviors in overweight and moderately obese men age 25 through 55 years. The study will complement our currently funded NCI project evaluating a similar intervention among overweight female primary care patients. Overweight is related to multiple cancers, CVD, and NIDDM, and the prevalence of overweight is increasing rapidly (NIH 1998). Patient-centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise plus Nutrition - Internet (PACEi) targets weight-related behaviors and gives patients a tool for addressing these behaviors with their primary care practitioners should they choose to do so. PACEi includes a web-based assessment and progress planning tool, and 12 months of tailored Internet and telephone contact. The components are integrated through a common theoretical framework. Subjects will be randomized to PACEi or to a low intensity intervention.