Effects of Web Based Weight Loss Intervention

The Effects of Web-based Weight Loss Intervention

Andrea Williams

Kaplan University

NS210-01: Midterm Project

Professor Chen

Introduction

Weight loss is a growing epidemic around the world, especially in the United States. In 1997, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that by 2015 approximately 2.3 billion adults will be overweight and 700 million will be obese. (Manzoni, Pagnini, Corti, Molinari, & Castelnuovo, 2011) Weight loss interventions have increased and is not limited to just in-person visits. When it comes to choosing the best intervention will include, duration, expense, and target population. (Arem & Erwin, 2011)

Weight loss tools have increased making it easier and more convenient to the average busy American. Before, if someone wanted to lose weight they would have to consult with a dietician or nutritionist but now there are a plethora of resources out there to help end the epidemic of obesity. Unfortunately, many factors contribute to the decrease in doctor visits such as costs, travel, as well as busy schedules. Even though seeing a dietician or nutritionist is more helpful, the internet has become a form of intervention for people to reach a healthy weight. Internet intervention has become a success because health information is accessible 24 hours a day, it’s cost effective, and offers many self-help programs. (Manzoni, Pagnini, Corti, Molinari, & Castelnuovo, 2011)

Some studies show that internet intervention is not as effective as in-person counseling, lowering the 7% weight loss goal to 5%. (Arem & Erwin, 2011) One reason internet weight loss programs are not as effective is because the client would not be pushed as hard and plus with the plethora of information on the internet, and weight loss information can become confusing to a person. Another factor that can make internet intervention ineffective is that a patient could have a disease that makes it harder for them to lose the weight, such as...