Adherence
Web-based interventions that include enhanced features such as behavioral therapy, human email counseling, or automated feedback achieve significantly greater weight loss compared to education-only web-based programs or control groups.
If you use a web-based weight loss program, choose one that offers more than just information. Look for programs that provide personalized feedback, behavioral therapy, or regular contact with a counselor. These 'enhanced' features are key to achieving greater weight loss compared to basic educational websites.
There was a significant difference in the change in weight between the two groups post-intervention, with a greater decrease in weight in the web-based programmes with enhanced features (WMD 2.24 [1.27, 3.21] Z = 4.54 [P < 0.00001]).
Why this rating
Meta-analysis of RCTs, but significant heterogeneity was noted in some comparisons, and overall study quality was mixed.
Source
Effectiveness of web‐based interventions in achieving weight loss and weight loss maintenance in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review with meta‐analysis
Melinda Neve et al. · Obesity Reviews · 2009
DOI 10.1111/j.1467-789x.2009.00646.x
More from this paper
- Web-based interventions for weight loss maintenance are significantly more effective than control or minimal intervention groups in preventing weight regain.Good
- Web-based interventions alone do not significantly differ from control or minimal intervention groups in achieving weight loss, unless they include enhanced behavioral features.Moderate
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- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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