Internet-delivered obesity treatment improves symptoms of and risk for depression

Objective In-person lifestyle interventions for obesity treatment yield significant improvements in depression. These improvements may be attributed to the excellent weight losses produced by in-person interventions. In contrast, Internet programs yield more modest weight losses, and their effect on depression is unknown. This study is the first to examine whether Internet-delivered obesity treatment impacts depressive symptoms. Methods Participants (N=136) were randomized to either a community campaign PLUS Internet behavioral weight loss (IBWL) or community campaign alone (Control). IBWL did not include online social support components. A measure of depressive symptoms was administered and weight was objectively assessed. Results Of the total sample, 24% met the clinical cut-off for elevated depression risk at baseline. IBWL participants lost more weight during treatment (p=.005) and experienced significantly greater improvements in depressive symptoms (p=.02). Among participants who met the clinical cut-off for elevated risk for depression at baseline, those assigned to IBWL had greater improvements in depressive symptoms during treatment compared to Controls (p=.033). Consequently, at post-treatment, a smaller percentage of IBWL participants were at elevated risk for depression. Conclusions This study is the first to show that Internet-delivered obesity treatment improves depression risk and depressive symptoms in individuals with overweight or obesity.