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Health Education Research Advance Access originally published online on March 17, 2008
Health Education Research 2008 23(3):371-381; doi:10.1093/her/cyn007
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© The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

Evaluation of an interactive, Internet-based weight loss program: a pilot study

Alison O. Booth1,*, Caryl A. Nowson and Helen Matters

The Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia

* Correspondence to: A. O. Booth. E-mail: a.booth{at}qub.ac.uk

The Internet can access a large number of consumers in a more cost-effective manner than other information delivery channels. In this pilot study, we assessed whether an online weight reduction program including dietary advice plus exercise (ED) was more effective in reducing weight than an exercise-only program (EX) >12 weeks. Participants were randomized to either the ED or EX group and attended a center for anthropometric measurements and dietary assessment. Both groups wore a pedometer and set weekly goals to increase daily steps through an interactive Web site. The ED group set weekly dietary goals via the Web site and received tailored e-mail assistance. Seventy-three participants commenced and 53 (73%) completed the study [EX n = 26; ED n = 27; body mass index—mean (standard deviation): 29.7 (2.5) kg m–2, age 46.3 (10.8); 21% male]. Percent weight changes were EX, 2.1 (0.6)% and ED, 0.9 (0.6)% (P = 0.15). Both groups increased their daily steps with no difference between groups. Only the ED group significantly reduced their energy intake. Despite a greater fall in energy intake reported by the ED group and a similar increase in physical activity in both groups, setting individual dietary goals did not enhance weight loss.

1 Present address: Nutrition and Metabolism Research Group, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queens University Belfast, Lower Ground Floor, Pathology Building, Grosvenor Road, Royal Victoria Hospital Site, Belfast BT12 6BJ, Northern Ireland

Received on February 20, 2007; accepted on January 4, 2008


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