Abstract
BackgroundPreliminary findings suggest that web-based interventions may be effective in achieving significant weight loss and weight loss maintenance. To date only few findings within primary care patients and especially the involvement of general practitioners are available. The aim of this trial was to examine the short-term effectiveness of a web-based coaching program in combination with an accompanied telephone counselling regarding weight reduction in a primary care setting.MethodsThe study was a cluster-randomized trial with an observation period of 12 weeks. Individuals recruited by general practitioners randomized to the intervention group participated in a web-based coaching program based on education, motivation, exercise guidance, daily SMS reminding, weekly feedback through internet and active monitoring by general practitioners. Participants in the control group received usual care and advice from their practitioner without the web-based coaching program. The main outcome was weight change between admission and after 12 weeks.Results186 participants (109 intervention group, 77 control group) were recruited into study. For 76 participants from the intervention group and 72 participants from the control group weight measurements were available both at baseline and 12 weeks. Weight decreased on average by 4.2 kg in the intervention group and 1.7 kg in the control group (mean group difference 2.5 kg; 95%CI 1,1; 3,8; p < 0.001). Reductions for waist circumference and BMI were also significantly larger within intervention.ConclusionFindings of the present trial suggest that the tested web-based coaching program for weight loss is effective in short-term. Further RCT’s are desirable in order to confirm present findings in larger populations and to investigate long-term outcomes.Trial registrationGerman Register for Clinical Trials: DRKS00003067
Highlights
Preliminary findings suggest that web-based interventions may be effective in achieving significant weight loss and weight loss maintenance
The evidence of a variety of web-based interventions was summarized in a review by Manzoni et al [11]. They pointed out that comparison of a web-based intervention with a real control group in terms of usual care was missing. Another critical point is that web-based weight reduction programs with free access might bear some risk of harm if the suitability of the individual patient is not assessed by a physician prior to the intervention, with respect to diabetes or eating disorders
We found that the web-based coaching program in combination with an accompanied telephone counselling and monitoring in general practice was effective to reduce weight in obese patients
Summary
Preliminary findings suggest that web-based interventions may be effective in achieving significant weight loss and weight loss maintenance. The evidence of a variety of web-based interventions was summarized in a review by Manzoni et al [11] They pointed out that comparison of a web-based intervention with a real control group in terms of usual care was missing. Another critical point is that web-based weight reduction programs with free access might bear some risk of harm if the suitability of the individual patient is not assessed by a physician prior to the intervention, with respect to diabetes or eating disorders
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