1. An evaluation of an Internet-based approach to weight loss with low glycaemic load principles.
- Author
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Collinson, A., Lindley, R., Campbell, A., Waters, I., Lindley, T., and Wallace, A.
- Subjects
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ABDOMEN , *ANALYSIS of variance , *ANTHROPOMETRY , *CHI-squared test , *CLINICAL trials , *CONFIDENCE intervals , *DIETITIANS , *GLYCEMIC index , *HEALTH promotion , *INGESTION , *INTERNET , *LONGITUDINAL method , *NUTRITIONAL assessment , *NUTRITION counseling , *HEALTH outcome assessment , *RESEARCH funding , *SELF-evaluation , *SOCIAL networks , *STATISTICS , *T-test (Statistics) , *U-statistics , *WEIGHT loss , *EMAIL , *DATA analysis , *STATISTICAL significance , *BODY mass index , *TREATMENT effectiveness , *PRE-tests & post-tests , *EVALUATION of human services programs - Abstract
The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. An Internet-based weight-loss programme has the potential to reach larger numbers of people than traditional face-to-face programmes. A growing body of evidence supports the use of low glycaemic load (GL) diets for weight loss. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an Internet-based weight-loss programme that included foods with a low GL. One hundred and three volunteers, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg m, enrolled into an Internet weight-loss programme. A dietitian counselled participants over the Internet via weekly interactive chat rooms and monthly e-mails. Participants self-recorded body weight and food intake directly on to the Internet site. Weight, BMI and waist circumference were measured, and dietary data collected, at baseline and 6 months. Seventy participants completed the 6-month weight-loss programme. Among these, mean weight, BMI and waist circumference significantly decreased by 3.5 kg (95% CI = 2.3-4.7), 1.2 kg m (95% CI = 0.8-1.7) and 4.8 cm (95% CI = 2.8-6.8), of baseline values respectively ( P < 0.001). Twenty-five (36%) of the 70 participants lost a clinically significant amount of weight (>5% of initial body weight). This descriptive study has shown that an Internet-based weight-loss programme with low GL principles can promote weight loss. This type of intervention and approach could be used to enhance other weight-loss strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
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