An Automated Internet Behavioral Weight-Loss Program by Physician Referral: A Randomized

Controlled Trial

Featured Article:

J. Graham Thomas, Tricia M. Leahey, and Rena R. Wing

Diabetes Care Volume 38: 9-15January, 2015

STUDY OBJECTIVE 

• To evaluate 3- and 6-month weight-loss outcomes achieved when physicians refer overweight/obese patients to an automated 3-month Internet-based behavioral weight-loss intervention

Thomas J. G. et al. Diabetes Care 2015;38:9-15

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

• 154 patients age 18–70 years with a BMI between 25 and 45 kg/m2 and access to a personal computer and the Internet were randomly assigned to 3 months of Internet behavioral intervention (IBI)

• Intervention included:

• 12 weekly videos teaching behavioral weight-loss skills• A platform for submitting self-monitored data• Automated feedback or an education-only Internet-delivered

eating and activity (IDEA) control group

• Outcome measures were weight loss after 3 months (primary outcome) and 6 months and changes in weight-control behaviors (secondary outcomes)

Thomas J. G. et al. Diabetes Care 2015;38:9-15

Thomas J. G. et al. Diabetes Care 2015;38:9-15

RESULTS

• IBI produced significantly larger mean weight losses than IDEA at 3 and 6 months

• Participants in the IBI compared with IDEA group were more likely to achieve a clinically significant weight loss of 5% of initial body weight at 3 and 6 months

Thomas J. G. et al. Diabetes Care 2015;38:9-15

Thomas J. G. et al. Diabetes Care 2015;38:9-15

Thomas J. G. et al. Diabetes Care 2015;38:9-15

Thomas J. G. et al. Diabetes Care 2015;38:9-15

CONCLUSIONS

• Physician referral to an Internet-based behavioral weight-loss intervention produced clinically significant weight loss for over half of the patients studied

Thomas J. G. et al. Diabetes Care 2015;38:9-15

Thomas J. G. et al. Diabetes Care 2015;38:9-15