Do images of a personalized future body shape help with weight loss in overweight individuals? A randomized controlled study

INTERVENTION: Aim: To determine if a personalized future body shape image can increase motivation to adhere to a diet and exercise regimen. Objective: To conduct a randomized controlled trial with the Future Me application. Method: 1.In this randomized controlled trial participants must provide Informed consent 2.The participants will be randomized in to two arms to receive the images immediately or after 8 weeks. Images will be generated on an ipad mini device and printed on a colour printer for the participant. 3.All participants will receive photo of their body shape as it might appear at 4,8,12, 26 and 52 weeks in the future. They will receive dietary advice from a 15 minute consultation with a general practitioner or counsellor at the weight watchers group as per : National Health and Medical Research Council (2013) Clinical practice guidelines for the management of overweight and obesity in adults, adolescents and children in Australia. The images provided will show the whole body as it might appear if the participant adhered to a diet and exercise program. 4.The participants will be weighed at weekly intervals for 16 weeks after recruitment. This will be the proxy measure of compliance with the diet and exercise program. The participants will also be encouraged to maintain a food diary and document their exercise program. 5. At the 16 week mark, half of the participants will be randomly selected to receive a new photo image, while the remaining subjects will carry on with their original images. the participants will be followed up for a further 8 weeks. 6.A small number of participants will be invited to join a focus group 6.The effect of the intervention will be assessed by analyzing quantitative data and interview transcripts CONDITION: Obesity PRIMARY OUTCOME: Number of participants approached and the number recruited Weight loss (kg) for each subject in the study as recorded on their own weighing scales. Participants will also be weighed every four weeks by researchers on calibrated digital scales. Weekly weights recorded independently by the participants can be included in the analysis. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Interview and focus group transcripts will be analysed guided by Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This will focus on satisfaction with the intervention Thematic analysis of recorded transcribed interviews. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Eligible participants are people with BMI greater than 25 (overweight) and seeking advise about weight loss. They should be able to provide informed consent. Participants will be over 16 years of age. Those below 18 years of age will also be required to provide parental consent.