Maximising and monitoring compliance with the diet and exercise interventions
For study participants randomised to the PROMED-EX and PROMED interventions (groups 1 and 2, respectively), several approaches will be used to facilitate behaviour change and encourage compliance with the diet and exercise goals. The initial education session will be scheduled at a convenient time for the participant and in a convenient location (either in a dedicated research facility, the participant’s own home or via remote video call). Partners or caregivers who are responsible for food preparation and/or shopping will also be invited to the education session if applicable. Furthermore, techniques demonstrated to support diet and exercise behaviour change have been incorporated into the intervention written materials and include ‘instruction on how to perform behaviour’, ‘action planning’, ‘self-monitoring’ and ‘problem-solving’.Participants will be encouraged to self-monitor their compliance in achieving the diet and exercise goals where applicable. The researcher will contact participants weekly via telephone during the first 3 months to review individual progress, monitor compliance and body weight, deal with any difficulties participants may be experiencing in meeting their goals and provide support and personalised feedback as required. Participants will also be able to contact the researcher at any time during the 6-month intervention period.