Evaluation of an interactive, Internet-based weight loss program: a pilot study

Abstract

The Internet can access a large number of consumers in a more cost-effective manner than other information delivery channels. In this pilot study, we assessed whether an online weight reduction program including dietary advice plus exercise (ED) was more effective in reducing weight than an exercise-only program (EX) >12 weeks. Participants were randomized to either the ED or EX group and attended a center for anthropometric measurements and dietary assessment. Both groups wore a pedometer and set weekly goals to increase daily steps through an interactive Web site. The ED group set weekly dietary goals via the Web site and received tailored e-mail assistance. Seventy-three participants commenced and 53 (73%) completed the study [EX n = 26; ED n = 27; body mass index-mean (standard deviation): 29.7 (2.5) kg m(-2), age 46.3 (10.8); 21% male]. Percent weight changes were EX, 2.1 (0.6)% and ED, 0.9 (0.6)% (P = 0.15). Both groups increased their daily steps with no difference between groups. Only the ED group significantly reduced their energy intake. Despite a greater fall in energy intake reported by the ED group and a similar increase in physical activity in both groups, setting individual dietary goals did not enhance weight loss.

What Design Features Are Used in Effective e-Health Interventions? A Review Using Techniques from Critical Interpretive Synthesis

“…when saturation was achieved. 16 Twentyseven papers were included in the final diversity sample, reporting interventions for: physical activity [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] ; smoking cessation [30][31][32][33][34] ; weight [35][36][37] ; physical activity and nutrition 38 ; nutrition 39 ; chronic pain 40 ; dyspnea 41 ; arthritis 42 ; and breast cancer risk. 43 Four of these programmes contained telemedicine components.…”

“…43 Four of these programmes contained telemedicine components. 30,35,40,41 Review strategy. The design features used to deliver interventions were first identified.…”

New and Emerging Weight Management Strategies for Busy Ambulatory Settings

“…Participants in 2 positive trials were relatively homogenous (Ͼ80% female and white), 56,60 whereas participants in 2 others were more diverse (eg, Ϸ50% male and 50% white). 55,57 An additional 7 of the 18 trials reported no significant differences in weight loss between the Internet and control conditions, 58,[63][64][65][66][67]71 and the final 2 trials reported significantly greater weight loss among participants randomized to the control condition. The superior control condition was a self-directed weight loss manual in 1 study 68 and face-to-face counseling in another study.…”

“…Second, positive trials reported completer rather than intention-to-treat analyses. 61,63,71,65 This compromises the value of randomization. Third, attrition rates in some studies were high.…”

Online Patient Education for Chronic Disease Management: Consumer Perspectives

“…The patients would be able to access educational material at their time of convenience and that will improve their understandings of the disease information [6,2]. OPE is unequivocally amongst the most effective methods of patient education [23,24]. Therefore, it is highly likely that OPE will assist carers and professionals in providing health education to patients and healthcare consumers.…”