Evaluation of an Interactive Web-Based Health Program for Weight Loss-A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Obesity and Weight Management
• Digital Health Interventions
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors contribute to overweight and obesity, leading to comorbidities and reduced quality of life.
• Web-based interventions offer a cost-effective approach for behavioral change and weight reduction.
• Long-term effectiveness of these digital health programs requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of a personalized web-based interactive weight loss coaching program.
• To compare the interactive program against a non-interactive web-based health program.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 2991 participants (1499 intervention, 1492 control).
• Outcomes measured at baseline, program end (12 weeks), 6 months, and 12 months post-program.
• Multilevel analyses (intention-to-treat and complete cases) were employed.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed a statistically significant difference in weight loss percentage at the program's end (delta M = 1.8% in CCA).
• No significant long-term superiority of the interactive intervention over the control group was observed 6 and 12 months post-program.
• Higher engagement with the program did not correlate with increased weight loss.

Conclusions:

• Web-based interactive weight loss coaching demonstrates short-term efficacy but lacks sustained long-term benefits compared to non-interactive programs.
• Future research should explore factors influencing long-term adherence and weight maintenance in digital health interventions.
• Personalized digital health strategies need refinement to ensure lasting behavioral change and weight management.