A randomized comparison of two motivationally enhanced Internet behavioral weight loss programs
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Acute Effects of Strength Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adults
Published on: December 1, 2023
Kelly H Webber1, Deborah F Tate, J Michael Bowling
1Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0054, USA. kelly.webber@uky.edu
Purpose:
Sixty-six women participated in this study, which compared two 16-week motivationally enhanced weight loss interventions. Both intervention groups, which are entitled "Minimal" and "Enhanced" throughout the description that follows, received a motivationally enhanced initial face-to-face weight loss session. The initial session was followed by a 16-week Internet behavioral weight loss program, which included a study website with weekly lessons, an online self-monitoring diary form, web links to related sites, and separate message boards. The Enhanced group also received weekly moderated online chat group sessions led using motivational techniques.
Results:
Both groups lost weight over time (p<0.001), however the group by time interaction was non-significant (p=0.19). The Minimal group lost 5.22+/-4.72 kg and the Enhanced group lost 3.71+/-4.46 kg. In the Enhanced group, online chat session attendance averaged 8.0 of the 16 chats offered. Greater program utilization was associated with greater weight loss in both groups.
Conclusions:
The addition of weekly motivationally enhanced online chats did not increase weight loss in this study. Further research is needed on the type and frequency of group support that is most desirable and beneficial in Internet weight loss interventions and could also explore building motivation for program utilization.
Related Concept Videos
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Bioequivalence Experimental Study Designs: Completely Randomized and Randomized Block Designs
Randomized Experiments
Simple randomization
Simple...
Obesity

