E-Health in Overweight and Obesity Prevention

Abstract

Obesity prevention based on electronic technology has attracted increased attention over the last few years. Due to their relatively high computer literacy, children and adolescents are the main target group for these health promotion programs delivered through new media. Programs should be directed at various levels (micro, meso, and community) to target pediatric obesity and metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, they need to be based on health psychological frameworks and have to incorporate interactive components. The participation rates of programs need to be carefully monitored. Factors hindering or facilitating program implementation need to be continuously examined for the optimization of future research programs. Family and school-based settings for the delivery of internet-based prevention programs seem to be most effective. However, community approaches also need further attention via research and translation into practice.