Weight loss programmes over the internet : opportunities and limitations
Author: Jonasson, Josefine
Date: 2007-12-12
Location: Föreläsningssalen R64, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Huddinge
Time: 09.00
Department: Institutionen för medicin, Huddinge Sjukhus / Department of Medicine at Huddinge University Hospital
Abstract
Background: Overweight and obesity is increasing in Sweden and over the
world. The societal resources to treat obesity are scarce. Eighty percent
of the population in Sweden have access to a computer and hence the
Internet. This provides an opportunity to use the Internet for weight
reduction purposes.
Aim: 1. To identify characteristics of individuals seeking help for their weight problem via an Internet-based programme (Paper I); 2. To identify indicators of long term success in such a programme (Paper I); 3. To compare the outcomes of younger and older members on weight loss and compliance (Paper II).
Methods: An Internet-based weight club (www.viktklubb.se) was used consisting of standard algorithms for calculating BMI, food energy content, exercise energy cost. All members filled in basic data and could volunteer to fill in additional research related questions. Together with data on treatment success, attrition, and use of the various components of the programme, this information was automatically monitored and downloaded to a database.
Results: Eighty-six percent of the members were female, and the age range was wide (range 18-101y; mean 40.3 ± 11.5y). At baseline, BMI of the entire group was 29.3 ± 5.1 kg/m2 with 39% obese and 45% overweight. Among the completers, 16% changed from overweight or obese to normal weight. This corresponded to 29% of the members losing 5-9.9% of their initial body weight and 20% losing ≥10% of their. The strongest predictors of weight loss were activity in the weight club as judged by number of logins and diary entries, and sex. Older members (>55y) lost significantly more weight, were more active and had lower dropout rates than younger members. Overall, the compliance with the programme was low.
Conclusions: A sizeable, but seemingly random, dropout was observed, together with significant dose-response effects between activity in the internet-based program and weight-loss among completers. Older members in the internet weight club did as well or even better than younger members. This study provides indications that an Internet-based weight loss program is most successful in older and/or active members. Given its low cost and high accessibility at 24h/day, this form of programme delivery is interesting to evaluate and develop further, especially regarding attrition.
Aim: 1. To identify characteristics of individuals seeking help for their weight problem via an Internet-based programme (Paper I); 2. To identify indicators of long term success in such a programme (Paper I); 3. To compare the outcomes of younger and older members on weight loss and compliance (Paper II).
Methods: An Internet-based weight club (www.viktklubb.se) was used consisting of standard algorithms for calculating BMI, food energy content, exercise energy cost. All members filled in basic data and could volunteer to fill in additional research related questions. Together with data on treatment success, attrition, and use of the various components of the programme, this information was automatically monitored and downloaded to a database.
Results: Eighty-six percent of the members were female, and the age range was wide (range 18-101y; mean 40.3 ± 11.5y). At baseline, BMI of the entire group was 29.3 ± 5.1 kg/m2 with 39% obese and 45% overweight. Among the completers, 16% changed from overweight or obese to normal weight. This corresponded to 29% of the members losing 5-9.9% of their initial body weight and 20% losing ≥10% of their. The strongest predictors of weight loss were activity in the weight club as judged by number of logins and diary entries, and sex. Older members (>55y) lost significantly more weight, were more active and had lower dropout rates than younger members. Overall, the compliance with the programme was low.
Conclusions: A sizeable, but seemingly random, dropout was observed, together with significant dose-response effects between activity in the internet-based program and weight-loss among completers. Older members in the internet weight club did as well or even better than younger members. This study provides indications that an Internet-based weight loss program is most successful in older and/or active members. Given its low cost and high accessibility at 24h/day, this form of programme delivery is interesting to evaluate and develop further, especially regarding attrition.
List of papers:
I. Jonasson J, Linné Y, Neovius M, Rössner S (2007). "An internet-based weight loss programme - a feasibility study with preliminary results from 4 209 completers". Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. [Accepted]
Pubmed
View record in Web of Science®
II. Linné Y, Jonasson J, Rössner S (1970). "Weight loss in the elderly through Internet support". [Manuscript]
I. Jonasson J, Linné Y, Neovius M, Rössner S (2007). "An internet-based weight loss programme - a feasibility study with preliminary results from 4 209 completers". Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. [Accepted]
Pubmed
View record in Web of Science®
II. Linné Y, Jonasson J, Rössner S (1970). "Weight loss in the elderly through Internet support". [Manuscript]
Issue date: 2007-11-21
Publication year: 2007
ISBN: 978-91-7357-416-7
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