Table 2 Summary of the main changes for the Phase 3 programme

Programme reduced from 15 to 10 core weeks (plus individual enrolment and end of programme measurement sessions, and graduation)

To promote engagement throughout the programme, particularly towards the end

One-to-one and small group work became less formalised

Participants did not want to take part in structured ‘classroom’ activities during physical activity session

Reduced by removing information not directly relevant to participants at that time (e.g., role of alcohol in weight gain)

To keep classroom sessions shorter despite reduced length of programme, and to encourage participants to engage with key messages they could act on directly

activPAL^TM feedback removed

Provision of activPAL^TM feedback was problematic and would not be sustainable for post-research roll-out and scale up

Smoking cessation removed

Most Phase 2 participants said that stopping smoking was not their focus

Discussion of gym sessions and classes available introduced in Week 2

To encourage participants to try out and build the habit of attending the gym while they were on the programme

Former participant, passmen or health champion involvement recommended, with clarification of their role in supporting delivery rather than simply attending and taking part in the programme

To provide peer support during and between sessions, and motivate participants to attend sessions

Setbacks introduced earlier (Week 4) and then revisited throughout the programme

Setbacks are a major problem throughout the programme, therefore introducing them earlier and more frequently, will support participants to avoid or overcome them