title: Using synchronous distance education to deliver a weight loss intervention: A randomized trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To implement a randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a weight loss program delivered using synchronous distance education compared with a wait-list control group with 6-month follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 were randomized to the intervention (n = 42) or wait-list control group (n = 38). The intervention group participated in a synchronous, online, 15-week weight loss program; weight loss was the primary outcome. Secondary measures included height, BMI, and confidence in ability to be physically active and eat healthy. Assessments occurred at three and four time points in the intervention and control group, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants who completed the program lost significantly more weight (1.8 kg) than those in the wait-list control group (0.25 kg) at week 15 [F(1,61) = 6.19, P = 0.02] and had a greater reduction in BMI (0.71 vs. 0.14 kg/m(2) ), [F(1,61) = 7.45, P = 0.01]. There were no significant differences between the intervention and the wait-list control groups for change in confidence in ability to be physically active or eat healthy. Weight loss was maintained at 6 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of synchronous distance education is a promising approach for weight loss. The results of this study will help to inform future research that employs Web-based interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.affiliation: North Carolina Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Olusola
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Olabode-Dada
authors.affiliation: University of California, Nutrition Policy Institute, Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Research and Evaluation Unit, Berkeley, California, USA.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Whetstone
authors.affiliation: North Carolina Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Department of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Surabhi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aggarwal
authors.affiliation: Department of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nordby
authors.affiliation: North Carolina Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.affiliation: Department of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Madison
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: NC State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Allison
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000379:methods*