Internet-Based Programs for Weight Management

Joachim Westenhöfer, Hamburg

In comparison with conventional sources of advice – such as brochures and books – Internet-based programs on nutritional advice have the advantages that the information can be tailored to the individual participant , who receives personal feedback on his entered data and the progress he has made.

Initial results indicate that programs containing the essential elements of obesity therapy – nutrition, exercise and behavioural modification – can be regarded as a low threshold and cheap approach, promising for a specific target group. However, the flood of programs offered in the Internet make selection difficult. Moreover, most of these programs have not been evaluated and promise more than they can deliver. Online weight loss programs cannot replace personal advice, but can make a useful contribution. In the sequence of complexity, they lie between books and individual advice. Further studies are needed on their efficacy and their cost benefit ratio.

Keywords: Nutritional advice, Internet, overweight, weight reduction, online weight loss programs

Sie finden den Artikel in deutscher Sprache in Ernährungs Umschau 04/11 ab Seite 194.