Online Weight Loss - Fact or Farce?
By Jim Foster
Over the past 5 years, online weight
loss programs have become increasingly popular. One such Internet-only
weight loss program claims to have over 1.2 million members in it's
database. We are seeing more and more companies creating an Internet
presence to assist with weight loss.
Is it a money grab, or can an Internet-based program genuinely help you?
How can sitting at the computer help you to lose weight? How can we
trust the information being provided to us? Let's try and answer some of
those questions.
Money-making or Real Help?
A study conducted by the Brown Medical School provides some interesting
results. They compared the results of 2 groups of overweight people over
a period of 6 months. Both groups were trying to lose weight. One group
was subscribed into a structured Web and email based program - whilst
the other group was simply given a number of Internet links to weight
loss information.
Participants who were given a structured behavioral treatment program
with weekly contact and individualized feedback had better weight loss
compared with those given links to educational Web sites. The study
concluded that "the Internet and e-mail appear to be viable methods for
delivery of structured behavioral weight loss programs."
However a smaller study conducted later compared only a single online
weight loss program with a group given only a weight loss manual. The
results here were quite different, with the non-Internet group getting
better results.
Losing Weight By sitting in Front of the Computer?
Our modern sedentary lifestyle is having a huge impact on health in the
Western world. However, never before have we had so much information
available at our fingertips. The on-line weight loss programs, are
allowing people to have counseling, and weekly personalized support at a
fraction of the normal cost.
There is no doubt that "bricks-and-mortar" weight loss centers, such as
Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, and LA Weight Loss, are significantly more
expensive than their on-line competitors.
The support available from on-line forums, message boards, email, and
chat, is contributing to peoples weight loss efforts.
Weight Loss Information - Quackery or Quality?
There is one thing about the Internet - it allows anyone to take up a
pen (or a keyboard) and start writing. Like most modern mediums, this is
both good and bad. There is considerable ms-information out there, but
it can allow you to make more informed decisions.
Previously our only source of information was from advertising, magazine
articles, or from our local physicians. This information typically came
from a single school of thought, or establishment. The Internet allows
us to sift for real-world information, written by the very people that
have suffered the conditions, and found an answer.
Without wishing to deride the medical establishment, it seems that many
doctors are too quick to prescribe medication. We can't help but feel
cynical when we see the names of pharmaceutical companies written on
pens and notepads in the doctors office!
We need to be more informed and weigh up our own decisions for what is
best for our bodies.
Online Weight Loss - What To Expect
The two studies published in the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical
Association), tell us that, yes, on-line weight loss can and does work.
It also tells us to be realistic about what to expect. The best person
to help you succeed is you.
It's also worth bearing in mind that the cost for these programs is very
good compared with the amount of information that you receive.
If you are considering altering your diet, and beginning an exercise
regime, it's well worth having a look at some of the programs on-line to
see if they will suit.
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