Research

Adherence

Web-based self-disclosure health support (WSHS) systems that incorporate forced self-disclosure and peer visibility of weight changes produce significantly greater short-term weight loss compared to standard one-on-one email health support.

To lose weight more effectively using digital tools, choose a platform that requires you to publicly share your progress (like weight and lifestyle) and view the progress of others, rather than just receiving private advice. The act of 'forced self-disclosure' and seeing peers' changes creates a social accountability loop that drives better results than private email counseling alone. Commit to weekly updates for 12 weeks.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Our newly developed WSHS system using forced self-disclosure had better short-term weight loss results.
Mie Imanaka et al. · Journal of Medical Internet Research · 2013

Why this rating

Randomized Controlled Trial, though open-label and short-term (12 weeks).

Source

Effectiveness of Web-Based Self-Disclosure Peer-to-Peer Support for Weight Loss: Randomized Controlled Trial

Mie Imanaka et al. · Journal of Medical Internet Research · 2013

rct · n=193Cited 20×
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