title: A series of studies examining Internet treatment of obesity to inform Internet interventions for substance use and misuse.
abstract: The feasibility and efficacy of Internet treatment programs for overweight and obese people have been demonstrated in a series of randomized trials. Initial studies examined various approaches to Internet behavioral treatment. Other studies have examined delivery of group behavioral counseling using Internet chat rooms, using the Internet for long-term maintenance of weight loss, and enhancing motivation in Internet programs. These interventions have produced weight losses of 4-7 kg over 6 months to 1 year when support via e-mail, automated messages, or chat rooms is provided. Outcomes and lessons learned with application to the treatment of substance use and misuse are provided.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Health Behavior and Health Education and Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7440, USA. dtate@unc.edu
authors.forename: Deborah F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Tate
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000379:methods; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss