Older members perform better in an internet-based behavioral weight loss program compared to younger members.
BACKGROUND
New technology offers increased opportunities for weight control. However, it is not clear whether older people with less computer training can make use of this tool. Our objective was to examine how members above the age of 65 years performed in an internet-based behavioral weight loss program, compared to younger members.


METHODS
Data from members (n = 23,233) of an internet-based behavioral weight loss program were analyzed. We restricted our study to active participants accessing the weight club, during a 6-month period (n = 4,440). The number of logins, food intake, and weight records were examined. Participants were divided into age tertiles separately for men and women. The oldest tertile was further subdivided into two groups: above and below the age of 65 years.


RESULTS
Participants aged 65 or older were more likely to remain active in the weight club for at least 6 months compared to younger age groups. They had the highest frequency of recordings of food intake and current weight. Among women, those older than 65 years had on average the highest percentage of weight loss (5.6 kg, 6.8%). Men above 65 years of age had the highest number of logins, on average 161 times during the 6-month period.


CONCLUSIONS
Older participants are performing equally well or even better in an internet-based behavioral weight loss program than younger participants. Internet-based programs could be a promising and attractive option for older adults requiring assistance in losing weight.
van der Mark
Marianne
M
Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Jonasson
Josefine
J
Svensson
Madeleine
M
Linné
Yvonne
Y
Rossner
Stephan
S
Lagerros
Ylva Trolle
YT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004435:Eating; D005260:Female; D020446:Fitness Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012737:Sex Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss; D055815:Young Adult