title: Using synchronous distance-education technology to deliver a weight management intervention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effectiveness of online delivery of a weight management program using synchronous (real-time), distance-education technology to in-person delivery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Synchronous, distance-education technology was used to conduct weekly sessions for participants with a live instructor. Program effectiveness was indicated by changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and confidence in ability to eat healthy and be physically active.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Online class participants (n = 398) had significantly greater reductions in BMI, weight, and waist circumference than in-person class participants (n = 1,313). Physical activity confidence increased more for in-person than online class participants. There was no difference for healthy eating confidence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This project demonstrates the feasibility of using synchronous distance-education technology to deliver a weight management program. Synchronous online delivery could be employed with no loss to improvements in BMI, weight, and waist circumference.
authors: Department of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. Electronic address: Carolyn_Dunn@ncsu.edu.
authors: Carolyn
authors: C
authors: Dunn
authors: Public Health Institute, Research and Evaluation Section, Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Branch, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA.
authors: Lauren MacKenzie
authors: LM
authors: Whetstone
authors: Department of Family Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.
authors: Kathryn M
authors: KM
authors: Kolasa
authors: Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
authors: K S U
authors: KS
authors: Jayaratne
authors: Community and Clinical Connections for Prevention and Health, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC.
authors: Cathy
authors: C
authors: Thomas
authors: Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less Program, Department of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
authors: Surabhi
authors: S
authors: Aggarwal
authors: Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less Program, Department of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
authors: Kelly
authors: K
authors: Nordby
authors: Health Promotion and Wellness, North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees, Raleigh, NC.
authors: Kenisha E M
authors: KE
authors: Riley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D020375:Education, Distance; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D009657:North Carolina; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D050177:Overweight / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D020377:Self Efficacy; D017216:Telemedicine; D015431:Weight Loss
keywords: Internet; adult; body mass index; obesity; overweight