Weight management using the internet a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Most weight-loss research targets obese individuals who desire large weight reductions. However, evaluation of weight-gain prevention in overweight individuals is also critical as most Americans become obese as a result of a gradual gain of 1-2 pounds per year over many years.


METHODS
This study evaluated the efficacy of an Internet-based program for weight-loss and weight-gain prevention with a two-group, prospective, randomized controlled trial. A military medical research center with a population of 17,000 active-duty military personnel supplied 446 overweight individuals (222 men; 224 women) with a mean age of 34 years and a mean BMI of 29. Recruitment and study participation occurred 2003-2005 and data were analyzed in 2006. Participants were randomly assigned to receive the 6-month behavioral Internet treatment (BIT, n=227) or usual care (n=224). Change in body weight, BMI, percent body fat, and waist circumference; presented as group by time interactions, were measured.


RESULTS
After 6 months, completers who received BIT lost 1.3 kg while those assigned to usual care gained 0.6 kg (F((df=366))=24.17; I<0.001). Results were similar for the intention-to-treat model. BIT participants also had significant changes in BMI (-0.5 vs +0.2 kg/m(2); F((df=366))=24.58); percent body fat (-0.4 vs +0.6%; F((df=366))=10.45); and waist circumference (-2.1 vs -0.4 cm; F((df=366))=17.09); p<0.001 for all.


CONCLUSIONS
Internet-based weight-management interventions result in small amounts of weight loss, prevent weight gain, and have potential for widespread dissemination as a population health approach.


BACKGROUND
NCT00417599.
Hunter
Christine M
CM
Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. hunterchristine@niddk.nih.gov
Peterson
Alan L
AL
Alvarez
Lisa M
LM
Poston
Walker C
WC
Brundige
Antoinette R
AR
Haddock
C Keith
CK
Van Brunt
David L
DL
Foreyt
John P
JP
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control; D013781:Texas; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*