Effects of a web-based follow-up intervention on self-efficacy in obesity treatment for women

Abstract

SummaryObesity is a chronic disease requiring long-term care. The purpose of the current study was the evaluation of a web-based intervention (WBI), subsequent to an initial face to face life style treatment. In a randomized trial, 84 women received an introduction phase (4 months) and a training phase (2 months) where one group was trained in using WBI whereas the other arm received a printed manual (PMI). During the self-monitoring phase (6 months) participants either used the WBI or the PMI for follow-up support. Anthropometric parameters could be significantly reduced and self-efficacy was significantly increased in the first 6 months. At 12 months, values of self-efficacy of the WBI were not superior compared to results of the PMI; however, feedback on acceptability of the intervention did show higher ratings of the WBI and also facilitated contact with the program supervisor. No significant differences regarding the engagement in follow-up tools could be found between the intervention groups. Subgroup analysis indicated a positive effect of involvement in both forms of self-monitoring aftercare.

Self-Reported Eating Behavior and Nutrition Knowledge in Women Starting Dietary Treatment Compared to Women Who Achieve Treatment Goals for Simple Obesity

“…The present study is a part of research concerning the efficacy of obesity treatment, in which not only weight loss, but also behavioral changes are considered intervention endpoints [19]. The behavioral dimension of obesity treatment is vital as the inclusion of new eating behaviors in the daily routine is a prerequisite for the efficacy of obesity treatment and maintenance of its effects [19][20][21]. The major goal of the study was to determine whether dietary management of simple obesity resulted in lasting behavioral changes in eating patterns (behaviors) and affected level of nutrition knowledge.…”

“…The literature suggests that a dietician should be a guide in helping patients change their eating behaviors [36]. It is noteworthy that despite the dynamic development of advanced technological applications to help foster behavioral changes in obesity treatment [21,37], lifestyle dietary intervention implemented in the context of an interpersonal patient-dietician relationship remains a fundamentally effective strategy for achieving the targets and goals of obesity treatment [2,13,20,38].…”

“…In light of current knowledge, further studies are required to examine predictors of behavioral changes achieved in the treatment of obesity, taking the stage of treatment into consideration, as well as the specific needs and profiles of patients, including patients' experiences related to past attempts at obesity treatment, their psychological profile etc. [20,21].…”

Digital disruption of dietetics: are we ready?

“…Similarly, community-based dietetic mHealth and eHealth interventions have demonstrated the capacity to improve dietary behaviour in single studies among people with type 2 diabetes (59) , hypertension (60) , chronic kidney disease (61) and eating disorders (62) . Although these interventions have the potential to improve a variety of health-related behaviours both in hospital-and community-based dietetic services, it is important to note there are a similar number of studies suggesting these interventions may not be effective (63)(64)(65)(66) . Hence, larger and more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm the clinical benefits of these methods in practice before integration into usual care systems.…”