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Directive and nondirective e-coach support for weight loss in overweight adults
Jeanne Marisa Gabriele1, Brian D Carpenter, Deborah F Tate
1Mental Health, G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA. Jeanne.Gabriele@va.gov
Background:
Although e-coach support increases the effectiveness of Internet weight loss interventions, no studies have assessed influence of type of e-coach support.
Purpose:
The effects of nondirective (collaborative, flexible) and directive (prescriptive, protocol driven) e-coach support on weight loss, dietary behavior, physical activity, and engagement were assessed in a 12-week weight loss e-coaching program.
Procedures:
Overweight adults (N = 104) were randomly assigned to nondirective, directive, or minimal support. All received weekly lessons and feedback graphs via e-mail. Participants in the nondirective and directive support conditions received individualized nondirective or directive weight loss support.
Results:
For females, weight loss (η(2) = 0.10) and changes in waist circumference (η(2) = 0.07) were greater in the directive than in the nondirective and minimal support conditions.
Conclusions:
Differences in type of e-coach support are salient to participants. Directive support is beneficial to females in a 12-week e-coach weight loss program.
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