title: A review of efficacious technology-based weight-loss interventions: five key components.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Obesity is highly prevalent among American adults and has negative health and psychosocial consequences. The purpose of this article was to qualitatively review studies that used technology-based interventions for weight loss and to identify specific components of these interventions that are effective in facilitating weight loss.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a narrow, qualitative review, focusing on articles published in the last 10 years that used an experimental or pre/posttest design and used a technology-based intervention for weight loss.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 21 studies reviewed, we identified the following five components that we consider to be crucial in technology-based weight-loss interventions that are successful in facilitating weight loss: self monitoring, counselor feedback and communication, social support, use of a structured program, and use of an individually tailored program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Short-term results of technologically driven weight-loss interventions using these components have been promising, but long-term results have been mixed. Although more longitudinal studies are needed for interventions implementing these five components, the interface of technology and behavior change is an effective foundation of a successful, short-term weight-loss program and may prove to be the basis of long-term weight loss.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94305, USA. akhaylis@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Khaylis
authors.forename: Themis
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yiaslas
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bergstrom
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gore-Felton
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy; D037001:Directive Counseling; D005246:Feedback; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss