Efficacy of an evidence-based telehealth-delivered weight-loss intervention to expand reach and enhance access to underserved groups after stroke

Obesity is a risk factor for stroke, and survivors of stroke have a high rate of obesity and greater burden of obesity-related chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, hypertension, re-occurring stroke) compared to the general population. Despite the health disparity, there is a lack of evidence-based weight-loss interventions tailored to individuals post stroke, as most health promotion programs exclude this population. Our team's work modifying and examining the efficacy of a modified version of the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance for people post stroke (GLB-CVA) is promising with results from an in-person randomized controlled trial (RCT) showing significant weight-loss (10.1 ± 16.8 lbs. [4.88 %]) and improvements in waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, pain, social participation, eating practices, and health habits at 12-months post intervention. To expand the reach and accessibility of the GLB-CVA intervention, we will complete a RCT to assess the efficacy of telehealth delivery by enrolling 94 participants post stroke over a 3-year period. Results may provide an evidence-based, scalable telehealth weight-loss program designed for people post stroke that clinicians and community workers can use to increase accessibility to underserved groups.