The Effectiveness of Internet Interventions on Weight Loss

The convenience and cost fficiency of web-based weight loss Intervention programs, Is revolutionizing the way we lose weight and how efficiently we do so. "A review of web-based weight-loss interventions in adults" by H. Arem and M.

Irwin is a literature review based on the research of the effectiveness of online weight loss programs for adults. The studies included findings on controlled trials that were based on Internet-delivered weight loss programs.In these findings, the author concluded that Internet based weight- loss programs could be highly effective if they could mimic the in-person weight-loss ntervention style, as well as being easily accessible and low cost as internet-based weight loss programs usually are. The authors present that factors in choosing a weight loss program consists of five factors: Target population, reach, cost, feasibility, and duration.

With that said, Arem states that the natures of Internet Interventions are "relatively novel for weight loss and maybe less time and resource Intensive" (Arem 257).This means that because of the low amount of effort required to participate and have a chance at being successful in the program, Internet-based eight loss programs have a larger target population, further reach, and a higher feasibility rate. Arem explains that the methods of the research were based on a PubMed article search for studies involving Internet intervention that ended with weight loss or weight management. Although the weight loss from Internet-based weight loss programs vary due to the different methods of the studies, averages of weight loss ranging from 1. kg 7. 6 kg, researchers concluded that Internet interventions could be promising for weight loss and ongoing weight management.

The studies presented Included nine different studies relating to the Internet intervention In weight loss and weight management. Each study recorded their sample size, age of their participants, percentage that were female, baseline BMI and percent of which that were Caucasian. Along with the primary information that was average weight loss using intent-to-treat (ITT) data, weight-loss based on ITT, and the overall average weight loss.Arem stated that in most of the studies, the researchers noted that there was a "weak coherence" to utilizing the Internet resources the articipants were given (Arem 238). Arem presented that the studies show a positive connection between weight-loss and the frequent use of online-based weight-loss tools.

However, the Arem stated that despite the high participant retention rate and the frequent use of the weight loss site, the Bennett et al. Study "did not show clinically relevant weight loss" (Arem 241). Arem stated, "The reviewed studies suggest that the Internet based interventions do not have a uniform effect on weight" (Arem 238).While the weight loss recorded all varied per study, the esearchers concluded that in an ideal sample, where every participant was retained and followed the study to the end, the results would be clearer to see. However with so many different variables, some studies with no control, and the conclusion of most the studies reflected the inconsistencies of the participants rather than the actual studies. There are few findings that trended through all the studies.

Internet-based weight loss and weight management interventions are effective if patrons use the Internet tools to their potential.Internet-based weight loss tools such as MyFitnessPal and Weight Watchers are easily accessed and convenient to use on a day-to-day basis, which eliminates the hassle of manually counting calories and adding up micronutrients. Most online weight loss websites have a community set up to mimic the in-person face value, without leaving the living-room. This community offers the support and motivation a person needs to stay on track with their weight loss. Arem states that the web-based weight loss interventions have a further reach to people who would not participate in in-person weight loss interventions (Arem 237).

It's easy to assume that internet-based weight loss websites have a positive effect on the efforts of weight loss and weight management, because of the convenience and low-cost nature of the websites. In the article " Internet-Based Behavior Interventions for Obesity: An Updated System", the objective of the review is to educate readers on the effectiveness on Internet-based behavioral interventions on weight-loss. The studies focus on behavior as one of the five principles of treating obesity. Through changing the patient's behavior, one of the roots of obesity, the weight-loss interventions can proceed more effortlessly.Indeed, behavior modification is one of five "principles of obesity therapy' along with dietary intervention, physical activity, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery' (Manzoni 19). Studies show that taking the Internet-based interventions and combining the web tools with education on how behaviors affect weight gain can be promising to substantial weight-loss.

The article goes on to explain the benefits of Internet-based interventions compared to regular weight-loss interventions. "Conceptually, the Internet has the potential to overcome most of limits associated with traditional eight-loss interventions.