Carolyn Dunn1, Lauren MacKenzie Whetstone2, Kathryn M Kolasa3, K S U Jayaratne4, Cathy Thomas5, Surabhi Aggarwal6, Kelly Nordby6, Kenisha E M Riley7. 1. Department of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. Electronic address: Carolyn_Dunn@ncsu.edu. 2. Public Health Institute, Research and Evaluation Section, Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Branch, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA. 3. Department of Family Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. 4. Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. 5. Community and Clinical Connections for Prevention and Health, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC. 6. Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less Program, Department of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. 7. Health Promotion and Wellness, North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees, Raleigh, NC.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of online delivery of a weight management program using synchronous (real-time), distance-education technology to in-person delivery. METHODS: Synchronous, distance-education technology was used to conduct weekly sessions for participants with a live instructor. Program effectiveness was indicated by changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and confidence in ability to eat healthy and be physically active. RESULTS: Online class participants (n = 398) had significantly greater reductions in BMI, weight, and waist circumference than in-person class participants (n = 1,313). Physical activity confidence increased more for in-person than online class participants. There was no difference for healthy eating confidence. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This project demonstrates the feasibility of using synchronous distance-education technology to deliver a weight management program. Synchronous online delivery could be employed with no loss to improvements in BMI, weight, and waist circumference.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of online delivery of a weight management program using synchronous (real-time), distance-education technology to in-person delivery. METHODS: Synchronous, distance-education technology was used to conduct weekly sessions for participants with a live instructor. Program effectiveness was indicated by changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and confidence in ability to eat healthy and be physically active. RESULTS: Online class participants (n = 398) had significantly greater reductions in BMI, weight, and waist circumference than in-person class participants (n = 1,313). Physical activity confidence increased more for in-person than online class participants. There was no difference for healthy eating confidence. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This project demonstrates the feasibility of using synchronous distance-education technology to deliver a weight management program. Synchronous online delivery could be employed with no loss to improvements in BMI, weight, and waist circumference.
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