Feasibility of the flipped classroom approach for health education in a clinical weight loss program

• Main Authors: Kameron Suire (Author), Mary Hastert (Author), Stephen D. Herrmann (Author), Joseph E. Donnelly (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Elsevier, 2024-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2772-6282; 10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100308
• Keywords: Obesity; Pedagogy; Flipped classroom; Weight loss; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: PEC Innovation, Vol 5, Iss , Pp 100308- (2024)

Aim: To assess the feasibility of the flipped classroom pedagogy in a clinical weight loss program and its impact on 6-month weight change. Methods: Adults with overweight/obesity enrolled in a 6-month program with a structured diet (portion-controlled meals and fruits/vegetables) and exercise plan (≥150mins/week), plus weekly, 1-h group education sessions. Sessions used a flipped classroom approach: educational content was delivered beforehand via podcast/video and book readings and session time involved application-based activities (e.g., case studies, games). Satisfaction surveys were completed at 3 months. Weight change was assessed using paired t-tests (SAS 9.4, significance 0.05). Results: Eighteen participants completed 6 months (retention 94%). Participants maintained diet adherence and exercise at 3 months (∼84% diet adherence, ∼153mins exercise/week) and 6 months (∼83% diet adherence, ∼158mins exercise/week), as well as attendance to behavioral sessions (3 months: 77%; 6mo: 71%). Satisfaction surveys showed high program enjoyment (∼8.1/10). Mean weight change at 3 and 6 months was −6.5 ± 4.2% and − 9.3 ± 5.0% (both p < 0.01), respectively. Conclusion: The flipped classroom pedagogy was feasible for delivery in a clinical weight loss program and supported significant 6-month weight loss. Innovation: This is the first evaluation of the flipped classroom in a clinical setting and supports the investigation of this pedagogy in weight management.