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A randomized comparison of two motivationally enhanced Internet behavioral weight loss programs
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
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|August 5, 2008
Summary
Adding weekly online chats to a weight loss program did not improve results. Greater engagement with the program, however, was linked to more weight loss in both groups.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Health psychology
- Obesity research
Background:
- Weight management interventions increasingly utilize online platforms.
- Motivational enhancement is a key component in behavioral change programs.
- Understanding the efficacy of different online support modalities is crucial for optimizing digital health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of two 16-week, motivationally enhanced, internet-based weight loss interventions.
- To determine if adding weekly moderated online chat sessions to a standard internet weight loss program enhances weight loss outcomes.
- To investigate the relationship between program utilization and weight loss in online interventions.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-six women were randomized into two groups: Minimal (standard internet program) and Enhanced (standard program plus weekly online chats).
- Both interventions included an initial face-to-face session and a 16-week online program with lessons and self-monitoring tools.
- The Enhanced group received weekly moderated online chat sessions utilizing motivational techniques.
Main Results:
- Both groups achieved significant weight loss over 16 weeks (p<0.001).
- The Minimal group lost an average of 5.22 kg, while the Enhanced group lost 3.71 kg; the difference was not statistically significant.
- Higher program utilization correlated with greater weight loss in both the Minimal and Enhanced groups.
Conclusions:
- The addition of weekly online chat sessions did not significantly improve weight loss compared to the standard internet program.
- Further research is needed to identify optimal types and frequencies of group support in internet weight loss interventions.
- Exploring methods to enhance motivation for program utilization is recommended for future online weight loss studies.
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