OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of an internet behavioral weight loss program; and determine if adding periodic in-person sessions to an internet intervention improves outcomes. METHODS: 481 healthy overweight adults (28% minority) were randomized to one of 3 delivery methods of a behavioral weight loss program with weekly meetings: internet (n = 161), in person (n = 158), or hybrid (internet plus in person, n = 162). Outcome variables were weight at baseline and 6 months and percent of subjects achieving a 5 and 7% weight loss. The study took place in two centers in Vermont and Arkansas from 2003 to 2008. RESULTS: Conditions differed significantly in mean weight loss (8.0 (6.1) kg versus 5.5 (5.6) kg versus 6.0 (5.5) kg), for in person, internet, and hybrid respectively, p < 0.01, n = 462). Weight loss for in person was significantly greater than the internet and hybrid conditions (p < 0.05). Although the proportion reaching a 5% weight loss did not differ, the proportion losing 7% did differ significantly (56.3% versus 37.3% versus 44.4% for in person, internet, and hybrid respectively, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that the internet is a viable alternative to in-person treatment for the delivery and dissemination of a behavioral weight-control intervention. The addition of periodic in-person sessions did not improve outcomes.
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