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BMC Primary Care
Published in: BMC Primary Care 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

Effects of a general practice guided web-based weight reduction program - results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial

Authors: Michael Mehring, Max Haag, Klaus Linde, Stefan Wagenpfeil, Florian Frensch, Jasper Blome, Antonius Schneider

Published in: BMC Primary Care | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Preliminary 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.

Methods

The 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.

Results

186 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.

Conclusion

Findings 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 registration

German Register for Clinical Trials: DRKS00003067
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Effects of a general practice guided web-based weight reduction program - results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors
Michael Mehring
Max Haag
Klaus Linde
Stefan Wagenpfeil
Florian Frensch
Jasper Blome
Antonius Schneider
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Primary Care / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 2731-4553
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2296-14-76

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