Web-based weight loss in primary care: a randomized controlled trial.
Evidence is lacking regarding effective and sustainable weight loss approaches for use in the primary care setting. We conducted a 12-week randomized controlled trial to evaluate the short-term efficacy of a web-based weight loss intervention among 101 primary care patients with obesity and hypertension. Patients had access to a comprehensive website that used a moderate-intensity weight loss approach designed specifically for web-based implementation. Patients also participated in four (two in-person and two telephonic) counseling sessions with a health coach. Intent-to-treat analysis showed greater weight loss at 3 months (-2.56 kg; 95% CI -3.60, -1.53) among intervention participants (-2.28 +/- 3.21 kg), relative to usual care (0.28 +/- 1.87 kg). Similar findings were observed among intervention completers (-3.05 kg; 95% CI -4.24, -1.85). High rates of participant retention (84%) and website utilization were observed, with the greatest weight loss found among those with a high frequency of website logins (quartile 4 vs. 1: -4.16 kg; 95% CI -1.47, -6.84). The intervention's approach promoted moderate weight loss at 12 weeks, though greater weight loss was observed among those with higher levels of website utilization. Efficacious web-based weight loss interventions can be successfully offered in the primary care setting.
Bennett
Gary G
GG
Department of Society, Human Development, and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. gary.bennett@duke.edu
Herring
Sharon J
SJ
Puleo
Elaine
E
Stein
Evelyn K
EK
Emmons
Karen M
KM
Gillman
Matthew W
MW
D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications*; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012648:Self Care; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss
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