Quality of Weight Loss Advice on Internet Forums

Hwang, Kevin O.; Farheen, Kiran; Johnson, Craig W.; Thomas, Eric J.; Barnes, Ann Smith; Bernstam, Elmer V.

doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2007.04.017

Cited by 51 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…This is similar to a study by Hwang et al [6] that illustrated that questions to online health communities are answered with high quality information very frequently. Further, information that was inaccurate or dangerous was very quickly corrected..…”

Section: P#1992supporting

confidence: 83%

Losing It Online

McDonald

Eikey

et al. 2014

Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Supporting Group Work

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Many people struggle with their weight and are turning to online communities for social and informational support. The aim of this study is to understand the issues commonly discussed in online weight loss communities. Through observation and content analysis of threads in one specific weight loss community, we identified 17 distinct categories discussed by the participants. We detail four categories specifically: Personal Experience, Consumption Choices, Dieting Strategy, and Exercise. Our analysis describes some key user roles and states that often relate to different phases of a person's weight loss journey. We identify a set of transient states, which are not proper roles but are significant in an online community where individuals are attempting to change their own behaviors. We close with design suggestions for encouraging and maintaining participant engagement in an online health community.

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Section: P#1992supporting

confidence: 83%

Losing It Online

McDonald

Eikey

et al. 2014

Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Supporting Group Work

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“…However, while 2D web interventions often provide interaction tools (e.g., message boards, e-mails, and chat rooms) few studies have examined the importance of interaction and support, particularly among participants. Hwang et al [19] found that participants of the online weight loss community "SparkPeople" used the website's discussion forums to receive motivation, encouragement, general weight loss information, and share personal stories. Participants felt interactions were convenient, anonymous, non-judgmental, and reciprocal.…”

Section: Prior Intervention Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Innovation in Weight Loss Intervention Programs: An Examination of a 3D Virtual World Approach

Johnston

Massey

DeVaneaux³

2012

2012 45th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences

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Obesity is a costly condition that can reduce quality of life and increase the risk for many serious chronic diseases and premature death. The rising rates, high prevalence, and adverse consequences of obesity call for the development and testing of new and innovative approaches that address weight loss barriers and bring help to those most affected by obesity. In this article, we examine the effectiveness of a 12-week behavioralbased weight loss program delivered via a 3D virtual world, Club One Island™ (COI) in Linden Lab's Second Life. Intervention design was informed by social cognitive theory and emerging research on avatar identification and the Proteus Effect. Our results offer strong preliminary evidence that not only can a 3D VW-based program be as effective as a content similar in-person intervention relative to positive biometric changes, but it may serve as a more effective platform to influence meaningful behavioral changes and increased self-efficacy.

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“…Participants in Internet health communities exchange social support by communicating primarily via discussion forums, as well as blogs and e-mails (Hwang et al, 2007;Sarasohn-Kahn, 2008). The unique process of communicating via online forums appears to shape how participants experience social support (Tanis, 2008;White & Dorman, 2001).…”

Section: Elmer V Bernstammentioning

confidence: 99%

Measuring Social Support for Weight Loss in an Internet Weight Loss Community

Hwang¹,

Ottenbacher

Lucke

et al. 2011

Journal of Health Communication

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Although overweight and obese individuals are turning to Internet communities for social support for weight loss, there is no validated online instrument for measuring the subjective social support experiences of participants in these communities. The authors' objective was to determine whether an online version of a validated paper questionnaire, the Weight Management Support Inventory, is appropriate for measuring social support among members of Internet weight loss communities. The authors administered the paper and online versions of the questionnaire in random, counterbalanced fashion to 199 members of a large Internet weight loss community. Scores for the paper and online versions were comparable in between-subjects and within-subjects comparisons. Convergent validity is suggested by the finding that participants who posted messages on Internet forums several times per day reported more social support than those who posted less frequently. However, the instrumental (tangible) support items did not load significantly on the instrumental support factor, suggesting that instrumental support is not relevant to the social support exchanged among participants in these communities. The authors conclude that the online, modified Weight Management Support Inventory, without items for instrumental support, is an appropriate instrument for measuring social support for weight loss among members of Internet weight loss communities.

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Quality of Weight Loss Advice on Internet Forums

Abstract: Most advice posted on highly active Internet weight loss forums is not erroneous or harmful. However, clinical and research strategies are needed to address the quality of medication-related advice.

Cited by 51 publications

References 16 publications

Losing It Online

Losing It Online

Innovation in Weight Loss Intervention Programs: An Examination of a 3D Virtual World Approach

Measuring Social Support for Weight Loss in an Internet Weight Loss Community

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