The internet is a novel medium for delivering behavioural modification weight loss programs and owing to its widespread accessibility it has the potential to treat at the population level. This thesis aimed to evaluate the effects of a unique web-based behaviour change program (WBP) called 'Imperative Health' on weight loss in an overweight/ obese population at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVO) using a randomised controlled trial. In total, 65 participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups for 12 months: the control group (usual care) or the intervention group (WBP). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3-, 6- and 12-months. The primary outcome of this study was between-group change in weight loss at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included between-group change in the following health outcomes: CVD risk factors, health-related quality of life, emotional states and self efficacy. The intervention group achieved a mean weight loss of -4.4 ± 3.5 kg at 3 months; the control group lost -0.54 ± 3.0 kg, overall this accounted for a Significant mean weight difference of -3.66 kg after adjusting for baseline weight between the groups (P <0.001). No treatment effect was observed between the groups in the longer term (12 months). A substantial impact on the majority of the above health outcomes irrespective of weight loss was not observed. Web-based programs for weight loss have the potential to reach large proportions of the population and the ability to promote modest weight loss in the short term. It is difficult, however, to ascertain their long term effectiveness as a result of their associated high attrition and non-usage attrition rates. Solutions are required to enhance engagement levels in the longer term in order to maximise the potential of WBPs for weight management to treat obesity at the population level.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:603560 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Watson, Sinead |
| Publisher | Queen's University Belfast |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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