A Behavioural Weight Loss Intervention Delivered in Cardiac Rehabilitation for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Obesity

Patients will attend twelve 2-hour group-based weekly sessions (over Zoom) in addition to their twice-weekly CR exercise sessions, followed by biweekly follow-up sessions alternating between individual phone-based sessions with a facilitator, and group-based sessions for an additional 12 weeks. The empirically validated ASPIRE BWLT was recently adapted for an AF population with obesity. Briefly, the BWLT was modified to incorporate education and practical strategies requested by patients, including AF risk factor management, pathophysiology, medications, and disease course; exercising with AF; and coping with difficult emotions regarding AF. Weekly treatment goals focus on nutrition and moderate calorie reduction while emphasizing adherence to an individualized CR exercise prescription. The BWLT program will be delivered by senior clinical psychology PhD students and supervised by a registered Clinical Health Psychologist.

The CR program consists of education, medication management, risk factor modification and 12 weeks of twice-weekly supervised cardiovascular exercise sessions. Patients with AF undergo a symptom-limited graded exercise stress test at intake, 12-weeks, 24-weeks, and 1-year post-randomization, where cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., peak metabolic equivalents \[METS\]) and cardiometabolic risk factors (blood pressure, blood lipid profile, BMI, waist circumference, depression and anxiety symptoms, tobacco use, and exercise volume) are assessed.