Web-based program improves weight loss at 3 months, but not 12 months
An RCT of 65 overweight and obese participants (mean BMI, 32 kg/m2) with at least one cardiovascular risk factor compared the effect of a Web-based program with usual care on weight change at 3, 6, and 12 months.4 Participants in the intervention group were provided with Bluetooth-enabled scales and accelerometer activity bands to allow daily uploads. The Web-based program also provided weekly feedback based on the participant’s performance and a food diary.
The Web-based group had significantly greater weight loss at 3 months (mean= −3.4 kg [95% CI, −4.70 to −2.13] vs −0.5 kg [95% CI, −1.55 to 0.52]; P<.001) and 6 months (mean= −3.4 kg [95% CI, −4.95 to −1.98] vs −0.8 kg [95% CI, −2.23 to 0.61]; P=.02). At 12 months, however, the groups showed no significant difference (mean= −2.4 kg [95% CI, −3.48 to −0.97] vs −1.8 kg [95% CI, −3.15 to −0.44]; P=.77).
RECOMMENDATIONS
Guidelines from the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and Obesity Society state that electronically delivered weight-loss programs may be prescribed, but may result in smaller weight loss than face-to-face interventions (SOR: B, moderate evidence from RCTs with some limitations or non-randomized trials).5