title: Key principles in internet-based weight management systems.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide a review of weight management components as a means for developing suggested guidelines for online program development or selection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-two published studies associated with Internet programs were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Studies included online weight management components: tailored feedback, social support, self-monitoring, and interactive components. Five key principles associated with Internet-based weight management programming are presented: (1) recreate the human experience, (2) personalize to the individual, (3) create a dynamic experience, (4) provide a supportive environment, and (5) build upon sound theory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Key principles can guide in the development or selection of online weight management programs.
authors.affiliation: eHealth Innovations Group, Department of HPER, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA. robert.bensley@wmich.edu
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Bensley
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Brusk
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rivas
mesh_terms: D001835:Body Weight; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007721:Knowledge of Results, Psychological; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012944:Social Support