The efficacy of a telemedicine-based weight loss program with video conference health coaching support

Abstract

Introduction Clinically significant weight loss is defined as a ≥5% of initial body weight loss within a 6-month period. The purpose of this study was to assess body weight change from a 12-week telehealth-based weight loss program that integrated health coaching via video conferencing. Methods A total of 25 obese participants (12 males, 13 females) were recruited for this fully online 12-week weight loss program. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or control group ( n = 13 intervention, body mass index (BMI) = 34.7 ± 4.5 kg/m; n = 12 control, BMI = 34.4 ± 4.43 kg/m). All participants were given access to a secure platform for data tracking and video conferencing with the research team. The intervention group met with the medical doctor once per month and with a registered dietitian, weekly. Control participants met with the research team at baseline and at 12 weeks. Independent samples t-tests and Chi-square tests were used via SPSS version 24 with significance set to p < 0.05. Results There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups for body weight loss (7.3 ± 5.2 versus 1.2 ± 3.9 kg, respectively, p < 0.05) as well as for percent body weight loss (7.16 ± 4.4 versus 1.5 ± 4.1%, respectively, p < 0.05). Clinically significant weight loss was achieved in 9 out of 13 (69.2%) in the intervention group versus 1 out of 12 (8%) in the control group. Discussion Mobile phone-based health coaching may promote weight loss. Weekly video conferencing with education may be an applicable tool for inducing significant body weight loss in obese individuals.

Telemedicine-Based Health Coaching Is Effective for Inducing Weight Loss and Improving Metabolic Markers

“…13,14 Despite the potentially positive impact of group-based HC by videoconferencing (VC) on weight loss and metabolic health, [15][16][17][18] use of individualized VC session interventions is scarce. 19 Evidence suggests that multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals may enhance program adherence and medical monitoring; however, traveling to receive care is often a barrier. 5,19,20 This study was designed to determine the impacts of didactically similar HC interventions delivered by VC or IP visits on body weight, blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and Homeostasis Model Assessment estimate of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in adults with BMI ‡30 kg/m 2 .…”

Health and wellness coaching positively impacts individuals with chronic pain and pain-related interference

“…HWC delivered through digital means may become more important as more healthcare shifts online. Initial research suggests that HWC through videoconferencing may be as effective as in-person HWC to promote weight loss [44][45][46]. Telephone-based coaching has been found to be as effective as in-person coaching for weight loss and weight maintenance [47][48][49].…”

Telemedicine and Obesity Treatment

“…Výsledkem je aktivnější redukce tělesné hmotnosti. Telemedicína s možností uchováváním dat, analýzou a jejich sdílením je velmi vhodnou možností, jak razantně snížit náklady na diagnostiku a léčbu tohoto chronického onemocnění (17,18,19,20).…”

“…Při správném zavedení do praxe může telemedicína nabídnout mnoho výhod při poskytování zdravotní péče, omezit výdaje na zdravotní péči, poskytnout přístup ke zdravotnickým službám ve špatně dostupných či nedostupných oblastech, usnadnit spolupráci mezi zdravotníky a zajistit dostupnou kvalitní péči většímu počtu pacientů (18,20,21).…”