Premium
An evaluation of an Internet‐based approach to weight loss with low glycaemic load principles
Author(s) -
Collinson A.,
Lindley R.,
Campbell A.,
Waters I.,
Lindley T.,
Wallace A.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of human nutrition and dietetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.951
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1365-277X
pISSN - 0952-3871
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-277x.2010.01138.x
Subject(s) - medicine , weight loss , the internet , obesity , world wide web , computer science
Background: 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. Methods: One hundred and three volunteers, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg m −2 , 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. Results: 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 −2 (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). Conclusions: 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.