title: An Internet-Assisted Weight Loss Intervention for Older Overweight and Obese Rural Women: A Feasibility Study.
abstract: Older Appalachian women are an understudied population with few resources available to prevent obesity and chronic disease. This study explored the feasibility of a 12-week weight loss intervention using Internet technology for older rural Appalachian women. The sample (N = 24) included women 55 years or older recruited from two senior centers in the Appalachian region. The women were randomly assigned to either an Internet program called "Lose It" (Internet program for recording of daily calories and physical activity) or to a daily wellness program (health tips) delivered via e-mail. The mean age of participants was 69 ± 8 years. Their mean body mass index (kg/m) at baseline was 34.2 ± 8. A significant difference (P = .036) was observed between intervention and control group scores on the Social Pressure Subscale. Both groups improved their intake of fruits and vegetables and lost weight from baseline to week 12. Internet weight loss programs appear feasible for older rural women. Internet-delivered weight loss interventions that provide a way to record daily calories, physical activity, and weight may provide a technology platform leading to increased self-efficacy for weight loss.
authors.affiliation: Author Affiliations: College of Nursing, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis (Drs O'Brien and Hathaway); College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Drs Jenkins, Almella, and Mueller); and Academic Technology, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Dr Moore).
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: OʼBrien
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Amella
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mueller
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hathaway
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012424:Rural Population; D066269:Social Theory; D015431:Weight Loss