Using Internet Technology to Deliver a Behavioral Weight Loss Program

Abstract

Developing effective weight loss programs that are widely accessible is a health care priority given that more than 54% of US adults are overweight or obese¹ and that weight loss is recommended to reduce the health impact of obesity. Although group behavioral programs involving weekly clinic visits are the most effective treatments available for obesity, most adults would prefer to lose weight without having to participate in a structured face-to-face treatment program.² To accommodate the needs of these individuals and to make obesity treatment more accessible, investigators have explored alternative methods for delivering weight loss programs including mail-based correspondence programs^3-5 interventions delivered via telephone⁶ and television.^7,8 Although these types of programs have typically produced smaller weight losses than standard group behavioral programs, they offer an important alternative to face-to-face treatment.