The Effect of Technology-Based Coaching on Maintenance of Weight Loss

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Most weight management programs focus on weight loss rather than weight maintenance. A few trials have focused on weight maintenance but delivered the intervention outside routine primary care or did not involve primary care providers.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to see whether an intervention that provided personalized health coaching through an electronic patient portal and support to primary care providers had an effect on weight change in primary care patients who intentionally lost a large amount of weight.

Who was studied?

The study involved 194 patients who had lost 5% or more of their body weight on purpose during the previous 2 years and had access to a computer that was connected to the Internet. Patients who were pregnant and those who had a history of cancer or bariatric surgery were not eligible for the study.

How was the study done?

The patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group or a tracking group. Both groups were told to enter information about their weight, diet, and exercise into the computer every day. Patients in the intervention group received 2 years of personalized health coaching through the electronic patient portal. In addition, their primary care providers received status reports in real time on the patients' weights, were notified about weight change of 10 pounds or more, and were given annual progress reports. The tracking group received questionnaires on various health concerns (such as vaccinations). The patients were seen for measurement visits every 6 months, and researchers compared weight changes at 24 months between the groups.

What did the researchers find?

Most of the patients in the study were female and white. At 24 months, the intervention group showed less weight regain than the tracking group, and the difference in weight change between groups was significant.

What were the limitations of the study?

The study was conducted at a single institution, and the sample included few men and nonwhite participants.

What are the implications of the study?

Among patients who purposely lost a significant amount of weight, personalized coaching that was delivered through an electronic patient portal resulted in less weight regain.