Internet-based support system found effective for improving weight loss

July 5, 2018

In a randomized long-term lifestyle change trial, an Internet-based health behavior change support system (HBCSS) was effective in improving weight loss and reducing weight loss. waist size. The results are published in the Journal of Internal Medicine .

The trial of 532 participants included 6 arms: group counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), self-help group counseling, and control, each with and without HCBSS. Interventions using HBCSS had significantly higher success rates for losing weight and maintaining weight loss, regardless of the type of group counseling, compared to counseling alone. In addition, the success rate was also high among control group participants who received HBCSS

Counseling based on CBT with HBCSS produced the greatest weight reduction without significant weight gain during follow-up. The average weight change in this group was 4.1% at 12 months and 3.4% at 24 months. HBCSS even without any group counseling reduces the average weight from 1.6% to 24 months.

"Editable tools based on scientific evidence are needed for personalized treatment of obesity. HBCSS combined with cognitive-behavioral group therapy or as a stand-alone treatment provides us with such an editable method for personalized medicine "said co-principal author Dr. Tuire Salonurmi, of the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Finland.