An Internet-based weight loss programme -- a feasibility study with preliminary results from 4209 completers

Area of Science:

• Obesity research
• Digital health interventions
• Behavioral science

Background:

• Internet-based weight management programs offer accessible solutions for individuals seeking to address weight problems.
• Understanding user characteristics and success factors is crucial for optimizing these digital health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify characteristics of individuals using an internet-based weight management program.
• To determine predictors of long-term success within this digital health platform.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an internet-based weight club (www.viktklubb.se) with algorithms for Body Mass Index (BMI), food energy, and exercise energy calculations.
• Collected baseline data, treatment success, attrition, and program component usage, automatically monitored and downloaded to a database.

Main Results:

• The study population was predominantly female (86%) with a wide age range and a mean BMI indicating overweight or obesity.
• Among completers, 16% achieved normal weight, with significant weight loss (5-9.9% or >=10% of initial body weight) observed.
• Higher activity levels (logins, diary entries) and male sex were the strongest predictors of weight loss.

Conclusions:

• Significant dose-response relationships were found between program activity and weight loss among completers.
• The internet-based program demonstrates potential due to its low cost and 24-hour accessibility.
• Further development is warranted, particularly focusing on strategies to mitigate attrition rates.