Social support in an Internet weight loss community.
OBJECTIVE
To describe social support for weight loss shared by members of a large Internet weight loss community.


METHODS
We conducted a mixed-methods study with surveys (n=193) and interviews (n=13) of community members along with a content analysis of discussion forum messages (n=1924 messages). Qualitative data were analyzed for social support themes.


RESULTS
Survey respondents were primarily white (91.4%) and female (93.8%) with mean age 37.3 years and mean body mass index 30.9. They used forums frequently, with 56.8% reading messages, 36.1% replying to messages, and 18.5% posting messages to start a discussion related to weight loss on a daily or more frequent basis. Major social support themes were encouragement and motivation, mentioned at least once by 87.6% of survey respondents, followed by information (58.5%) and shared experiences (42.5%). Subthemes included testimonies, recognition for success, accountability, friendly competition, and humor. Members valued convenience, anonymity, and the non-judgmental interactions as unique characteristics of Internet-mediated support.


CONCLUSIONS
This Internet weight loss community plays a prominent role in participants' weight loss efforts. Social support within Internet weight loss communities merits further evaluation as a weight loss resource for clinicians to recommend to patients. Understanding these communities could improve how health professionals evaluate, build, harness, and manipulate social support for weight loss.
Hwang
Kevin O
KO
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Medicine, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, 6410 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Ottenbacher
Allison J
AJ
Green
Angela P
AP
Cannon-Diehl
M Roseann
MR
Richardson
Oneka
O
Bernstam
Elmer V
EV
Thomas
Eric J
EJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology*; D010565:Persuasive Communication; D012944:Social Support; D015431:Weight Loss