title: An evaluation of an Internet-based approach to weight loss with low glycaemic load principles.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. An Internet-based weight-loss programme has the potential to reach larger numbers of people than traditional face-to-face programmes. A growing body of evidence supports the use of low glycaemic load (GL) diets for weight loss. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an Internet-based weight-loss programme that included foods with a low GL.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and three volunteers, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg m(-2) , enrolled into an Internet weight-loss programme. A dietitian counselled participants over the Internet via weekly interactive chat rooms and monthly e-mails. Participants self-recorded body weight and food intake directly on to the Internet site. Weight, BMI and waist circumference were measured, and dietary data collected, at baseline and 6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy participants completed the 6-month weight-loss programme. Among these, mean weight, BMI and waist circumference significantly decreased by 3.5 kg (95% CI = 2.3-4.7), 1.2 kg m(-2) (95% CI = 0.8-1.7) and 4.8 cm (95% CI = 2.8-6.8), of baseline values respectively (P < 0.001). Twenty-five (36%) of the 70 participants lost a clinically significant amount of weight (>5% of initial body weight).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This descriptive study has shown that an Internet-based weight-loss programme with low GL principles can promote weight loss. This type of intervention and approach could be used to enhance other weight-loss strategies.
authors.affiliation: School of Health Professions, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK. avril.collinson@plymouth.ac.uk
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Collinson
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lindley
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Waters
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lindley
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wallace
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D003376:Counseling; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000592:standards*; D004046:Dietetics; D005260:Female; D038321:Glycemic Index; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012647:Self-Assessment; D055105:Waist Circumference; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs