Weight Loss on the Web: A Pilot Study Comparing a Commercial Website to a Structured Behavioral Intervention

University of Vermont

Overview

The primary purpose of this study was to compare weight loss achieved through a behavioral online intervention vs. a commercial self-help website. The investigators hypothesized that there would be no difference in weight loss between groups.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Novel approaches are needed to address this issue on a broad scale. The internet holds promise as a way to disseminate effective weight loss strategies. The primary purpose of this study was to compare weight loss achieved through a behavioral online intervention vs. a commercial self-help website. A second aim was to evaluate the utilization of web components and their relationship to weight loss between groups and within groups in order to determine what aspects of web usage correlate to weight loss.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Conditions

Obesity Diet Therapy Weight Loss

Interventions

behavior modification for weight lossBEHAVIORAL

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * BMI between 25 and 39.9 kg/m2 * 18 or older Exclusion Criteria: * Planned to move within 1 year * Planned a pregnancy within 1 year * Take medications with weight implications * Unable to exercise moderately * Participating in another weight loss program * Lacked minimum computer requirements

Locations (1)

Behavioral Weight Management Program/Univ of Vermont

Burlington, Vermont, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

weight change

Secondary Outcomes

social influence components

eating behavior

web usage correlation to weight change

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.