Weight Loss on the Web: A Pilot Study Comparing a Commercial Website to a Structured Behavioral Intervention

The primary purpose of this study was to compare weight loss achieved through a behavioral online intervention vs. a commercial self-help website. The investigators hypothesized that there would be no difference in weight loss between groups.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Novel approaches are needed to address this issue on a broad scale. The internet holds promise as a way to disseminate effective weight loss strategies. The primary purpose of this study was to compare weight loss achieved through a behavioral online intervention vs. a commercial self-help website. A second aim was to evaluate the utilization of web components and their relationship to weight loss between groups and within groups in order to determine what aspects of web usage correlate to weight loss.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI between 25 and 39.9 kg/m2
• 18 or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Planned to move within 1 year
• Planned a pregnancy within 1 year
• Take medications with weight implications
• Unable to exercise moderately
• Participating in another weight loss program
• Lacked minimum computer requirements