Weight-loss programs in urban areas may not offer methods that are in alignment with guidelines. Additionally, they may not provide accurate information online, according to an analysis of weight-loss programs.

Investigators searched online for weight-loss programs, analyzed program components of 191 of them, and surveyed 52 programs by telephone to verify information.

Among the results:

• Of the 191 programs, 1% were graded as high, 8% as moderate, and 91% as low in terms of communicating guideline-driven methods on web sites.

• Among those surveyed, program intensity, diet, physical activity, and use of behavioral strategies were underreported on websites, compared with how the program was described during the telephone interview.

• 6% of programs surveyed were graded as high based on website information; this increased to 19% after the telephone interview.

Citation: Bloom B, Mehta A, Clark J, Gudzune K. Guideline-concordant weight-loss programs in an urban area are uncommon and difficult to identify through the internet. [Published online ahead of print February 10, 2016]. Obesity. doi: 10.1002/oby.21403.