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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2010 Feb;18(2):308-13.
doi: 10.1038/oby.2009.242. Epub 2009 Aug 20.

Web-based weight loss in primary care: a randomized controlled trial

Gary G Bennett  1 , Sharon J Herring, Elaine Puleo, Evelyn K Stein, Karen M Emmons, Matthew W Gillman
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Web-based weight loss in primary care: a randomized controlled trial

Gary G Bennett et al. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2010 Feb.

Abstract

Evidence is lacking regarding effective and sustainable weight loss approaches for use in the primary care setting. We conducted a 12-week randomized controlled trial to evaluate the short-term efficacy of a web-based weight loss intervention among 101 primary care patients with obesity and hypertension. Patients had access to a comprehensive website that used a moderate-intensity weight loss approach designed specifically for web-based implementation. Patients also participated in four (two in-person and two telephonic) counseling sessions with a health coach. Intent-to-treat analysis showed greater weight loss at 3 months (-2.56 kg; 95% CI -3.60, -1.53) among intervention participants (-2.28 +/- 3.21 kg), relative to usual care (0.28 +/- 1.87 kg). Similar findings were observed among intervention completers (-3.05 kg; 95% CI -4.24, -1.85). High rates of participant retention (84%) and website utilization were observed, with the greatest weight loss found among those with a high frequency of website logins (quartile 4 vs. 1: -4.16 kg; 95% CI -1.47, -6.84). The intervention's approach promoted moderate weight loss at 12 weeks, though greater weight loss was observed among those with higher levels of website utilization. Efficacious web-based weight loss interventions can be successfully offered in the primary care setting.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Website-based tracking system screenshot in the Step Up Trim Down weight loss trial.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Participant flow in the Step Up Trim Down weight loss trial (n = 101). ITT, intention to treat.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Association between frequency of website logins and weight loss among intervention participants in the Step Up Trim Down weight loss trial (n = 43). Error bars represent 95% confidence interval of mean.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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