Table 2 Feasibility and acceptability of MT+ and MT in a rural men’s weight loss study

Demonstrate feasibility of recruiting 80 men in a rural setting and retaining at least 70% of men who provided baseline measures

Yes

Over 10 months, 80 rural men living in RUCA codes 4–10 were recruited and matriculated to baseline assessment after informed consent. At baseline, 100% of the 80 men provided baseline measurements. At 3 months, 78 (97.5%) provided measurements. At 6 months, 74 (92.5%) provided measurements.

Evidence to suggest that recording weight one or more days per week on the Lose it! app was feasible and acceptable by participants.

Yes, during the active weight loss phase

The active weight loss phase (AWLP; baseline to 3-months) showed the highest retention rates for measuring weights at least once a week. For both MT+ and MT, participants recorded self-weights at least once a week at a rate of 64.1% (AWLP) but this decreased to 46.3% during the self-directed phase (SDP; between 3- and 6 months). For the MT+ arm, 84.6% weighed themselves at least once a week or more during AWLP, but this decreased to 59.4% during SDP. For the MT arm, 43.5% weighed themselves at least once a week or more during AWLP, but this decreased to 33.5% during SDP.

Evidence to suggest that recording a minimum amount of 800 kcal 5 days or more per week to monitor dietary intake was feasible and acceptable by participants.

Yes, during the active weight loss phase

The highest retention rates with recording 800 dietary calories at least 5 days or more every week were noted during the AWLP than the SDP. For both MT+ and MT, participants recorded 800 dietary calories at least 5 days a week at a rate of 73.4% (AWLP) but this decreased to 51.6% during SDP. For the MT+ arm, 76.0% recorded 800 dietary calories at least 5 days or more every week AWLP, but this decreased to 55.2% during SDP. For the MT arm, 70.8% recorded 800 dietary calories at least 5 days or more every week during AWLP, but this decreased to 47.9% during SDP.

Evidence to suggest that recording a total step count for 4 days or more per week for physical activity levels was feasible and acceptable by participants.

Yes

For total step counts, both the MT+ and MT groups averaged recording at least 6 days each week at each time point. The MT+ participants recorded total steps on average (SD), 6.74 (0.86), 6.86 (0.41) and 7 (0.0) days per week at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively. For the MT arm, participants recorded total steps on average, 6.84 (0.44), 6.52 (1.28), and 6.76 (0.83) days per week at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively.

Evaluation to suggest acceptability of the Lose it! app by participant’s self-report of acceptability of the app, scale, text messaging and discussion board.

Partially

MT+ Lose it! app was supportive in assisting participants to lose weight and is an accessible means to monitor eating, activity, and weight in rural locations. Participants voiced a desire to having an increase in the intensity of support (another weight goal) after achieving their personal weight loss goal.