Table 3 Key components of the lifestyle coach sessions (face to face visits)
Programme length | 12 months |
Contact | Face to face |
Duration | 2 sessions - 60 min and 45 min, within 3 months |
Who delivers | Trained lifestyle coach (volunteers from Breast Cancer Now) |
Place of delivery | Local leisure centres (in office facilities) |
Professional support | Telephone contact details provided |
Social support | “Bring a buddy” offered, friend/partner/family member can be invited |
Theoretical framework | COM-B model |
Summary of behaviour change techniques utilsed | • Motivational interviewing • Goal setting (graduated/gradual, achievable) • Action plans (implementation intentions) • Coping planning • Self-monitoring and feedback |
Primary outcomes | Changes in body weight and physical activity |
Action plans and implementation intentions | Goals will be set for: • Weekly weight recording • Daily walking plan • Agreed food and drink (including alcohol) • Implementation intentions agreed (when, where and how) |
Coping plans self-monitoring | Introduce activity focus • Provide pedometer • Pedometer/walking plan and diary • Offer body weight scales • Explanation of self-monitoring proceduresReview of previously set goals and modification, if necessary |
Education - breast cancer risk reduction | 5 min Evidence relating lifestyle breast cancer risk • Evidence on importance of lifestyle change after age 50 years • Further reading links • Brief background to which lifestyle factors increase risk and why - Weight - Physical activity - Alcohol • Weight gain and the risk of breast cancer • Reasons for eligibility (age and weight) and recognition that many women are already active and mindful of diet and body weight |
Education - physical activity | 20 min, including interactive walk and talk • Demonstration of brisk walking + pedometer (interactive) over a 10 min walk and talk session • Personalised walking plan (to fit with usual daily agendas) • Physical activity guidelines • Tips for decreasing sedentary behaviour • Links to a range of community opportunities provided • Introduction to leisure centre staff for access to premises (Set daily physical activity goal according to personalised walking plan) |
Education - diet | 45 min including interactive tasks (sugar in drinks/portion size quiz, dietary assessments procedures) • Drinks - the importance of water • Sugary drinks - sugar and calorie content • Alcohol - calories, alcohol, tips for cutting down, links for support • Snacks and discretionary foods - biscuits, chocolate, crisps, cheese • Meal patterns and healthy food choices (Eatwell guide) • Using traffic light labelling to guide food choices • Personalisation of eating plan (feedback on dietary assessment) • Importance of small changes and maintenance of these |
Education - weight management | 20 min including interactive task (personal identification of weight category, offer free body scales if required) • Discussion of goal to achieve (and maintain) 7% weight loss over 1 year using a 600 kcal energy deficit diet • Importance of diet and physical activity in weight loss • Personalised daily eating guide - according to body size, caloric requirements and food preferences |
Miscellaneous | 15 mins |
General support - listening re health, circumstances, experience of previous weight loss attempts. Non-judgmental approaches required at all times. Clarity that coaches are there to support not judge | |
Coping plans (following illness, holidays, etc.) | |
Getting family members involved for social support | |
Agree future appointments to suit participant as far as possible |