Development and preliminary evaluation of an internet-based healthy eating program: randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Nutritional Science
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• The HealthValues Healthy Eating Programme is an internet-based intervention designed to promote behavior change.
• It integrates novel strategies like analyzing health values with established psychological principles.
• The program includes phases for motivation, volition, and maintenance of healthy eating habits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the HealthValues program on dietary intake.
• Specifically, to assess changes in fruit and vegetable consumption, saturated fat, and added sugar over six months.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 100 participants (82 females, 18 males).
• Participants engaged in a 24-week online program with weekly health measures.
• Objective measures including Body Mass Index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) were collected at baseline, 3, and 6 months.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in fruit and vegetable consumption was observed in the intervention group compared to the control group (P=.048).
• Overall reductions in saturated fat (P<.001) and added sugar intake (P<.001) were noted across all participants.
• Reductions in BMI (P=.001) and WHR (P=.009) were also observed, independent of group allocation.

Conclusions:

• The HealthValues program effectively increased and sustained fruit and vegetable intake over six months.
• Monitoring dietary behaviors appears effective for reducing fat and sugar consumption.
• The web-based format suggests potential for cost-effective public health promotion of healthy eating.