The impact of Internet use for weight loss

Abstract

With rising rates of obesity and obesity-related health problems, finding additional means to help reduce obesity is critical. This review examined the impact of the Internet as a medium to deliver weight loss programs. Specifically, the review examined the public's interest, the availability and the known efficacy of Internet-based weight loss programs. Findings showed that the general public is turning to the Internet for diet and fitness information and has reported that information they found online has impacted their behaviour. Little is known about who is interested in using the Internet for weight loss and what their experiences have been. The programs most readily available to the general consumer tend to vary widely in quality, with few efficacy studies. However, researchers have shown that efficacious programs have been delivered via the Internet. Successful online programs included a structured approach to modifying energy balance, the use of cognitive-behavioural strategies such as self-monitoring, and individualized feedback and support. Implications include developing strategies to increase distribution of programs with known efficacy, determining the applicability of effective programs for diverse audiences, conducting media literacy education for the general public, and continued research into understanding who may be best served by online weight loss programming.

The Effect of Computers for Weight Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials

“…While a handful of narrative or systematic reviews 9,[32][33][34] and one meta-analysis 35 of computer-based interventions to assist in weight loss already exist, none has explicitly focused on evaluating the independent effect a computer delivery modality might have on the effectiveness of a weight loss intervention. To more closely address this objective, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of computer-based interventions versus non-computer-based interventions for reducing weight or BMI among overweight and obese adults.…”

Behavioural factors related with successful weight loss 15 months post-enrolment in a commercial web-based weight-loss programme

“…Recent systematic reviews highlight the potential of web-based treatments in achieving significant weight loss (5)(6)(7)(8) . However, they have also found that most studies fail to follow up participants beyond the intervention period (6) , so it is not known whether participants who successfully lose weight with web-based programmes can maintain the lost weight.…”

Clinical Psychology and Medicine for the Treatment of Obesity in Out-patient Settings: The TECNOB Project

“…Telecare can be carried out with tools such as web-sites, e-mail, chat lines, videoconference, telephone and mobile phones (Castelnuovo, Gaggioli, Mantovani, & Riva, 2003). As already indicated in several studies (Cline & Wong, 1999;Goulis, et al, 2004;Jeffery, et al, 2003;Maglaveras, et al, 2002;Rice, 2005) and in various reviews (Neve, Morgan, Jones, & Collins, 2009;Saperstein, Atkinson, & Gold, 2007;Weinstein, 2006), behavioral treatments delivered through the internet (web-site and e-mail) may be valid alternatives to reduce expensive and time-consuming clinical visits.…”