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Effect of internet support on the long-term maintenance of weight loss
Harvey-Berino J, Pintauro S, Buzzell P, Gold EC
Obesity Research 2004 Feb;12(2):320-329
clinical trial
4/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: Yes; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: No. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of an internet weight maintenance program. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Two hundred fifty-five healthy overweight and obese adults (mean +/- SD BMI 31.8 +/- 4.1 kg/m2) men (18%; mean +/- SD age 45.8 +/- 8.9 yrs) participated in a 6-month behavioral weight control program conducted over interactive television. Treatment was followed by a 12-month weight maintenance program with three conditions: frequent in-person support (F-IPS), minimal in-person support (M-IPS) and internet support (IS). Main outcome measures included body weight, program adherence, and social influence components. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the groups in weight loss (mean +/- SD) from baseline to 18 months (7.6 +/- 7.3 kg versus 5.5 +/- 8.9 kg versus 5.1 +/- 6.5 kg, p = 0.23 for the IS, M-IPS, and F-IPS, respectively). DISCUSSION: Participants assigned to an internet-based weight maintenance program sustained comparable weight loss over 18 months compared with individuals who continued to meet face-to-face. Therefore, the internet appears to be a viable medium for promoting long-term weight maintenance.

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