Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Outcomes of a 12-Month Web-Based Intervention for Overweight and Obese Men

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Background

This study assessed the effect of a 1-year internet-based weight loss intervention for men.

Methods

Four hundred forty-one overweight and obese men were randomized to intervention or delayed treatment. Participants completed a Web-based assessment of diet and physical activity behaviors and weekly tailored Web modules addressing weight-related behaviors.

Results

At 12 months compared to controls, intervention men decreased percent of energy from saturated fat and increased grams of fiber and fruit/vegetable servings per 1.000 kcal (p values < 0.001) and walked 16 min more per day (p < 0.05). No between-group differences in body mass index (BMI), weight, or waist circumference were seen, but among completers, men in the highest tertile of intervention participation had lower weight (98.74 vs. 102.37 kg), BMI (32.38 vs. 33.46), and waist circumference (42.17 vs. 43.47 cm) compared to men who participated less often.

Conclusions

The intervention improved diet and activity behaviors, but weight loss occurred only for those with the highest adherence.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The surgeon general's call to action to prevent and decrease overweight and obesity. Rockville, MD: USDHHS, Public Health Service, Office of the Surgeon General, 2001.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Curtin LR, McDowell MA, Tabak CJ, Flegal KM. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States, 1999–2004. JAMA. 2006;295:1549–1555.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Clinical guidelines on the identification, evaluation and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults: The evidence report. Bethesda, MD: NIH, 1998.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Mokdad AH, Fored, ES, Bowman BA, et al. Prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and obesity-related health risk factors, 2001. JAMA. 2003; 289:76–79.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Flegal KM, Carroll MD, Ogden CL, Curtin LR. Prevalence and trends in obesity among U.S. adults, 1999–2008. JAMA.; published online January 13, 2010.

  6. Fujioka K. Management of obesity as a chronic disease: Nonpharmacologic, pharmacologic, and surgical options. Obes Res 2002; 10 Suppl 2:S116–S123.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. McGuire MT, Wing RR, Klem ML, Lang W, Hill JO. What predicts weight regain in a group of successful weight losers?. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1999;67(2)177–185.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. National Center for Health Statistics. Summary health statistics for U.S. adults: National Health Interview Survey 2002. Hyattsville, MD: Public Health Service, 2004.

    Google Scholar 

  9. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy people 2010: Understanding and improving health (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Tsai AG, Wadden TA. Systematic review: An evaluation of major commercial weight loss programs in the United States. Ann Intern Med. 2005;142:56–66.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Finley CE, Barlow CE, Greenway FL, Rock CL, Rolls BJ, Blair SN. Retention rates and weight loss in a commercial weight loss program. Int J Obes (Lond). 2007;31(2):292–298.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Douketis JD, Macie C, Thabane L, Williamson DF. Systematic review of long-term weight loss studies in obese adults: Clinical significance and applicability to clinical practice. Int J Obes (Lond). 2005;29:1153–1167.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Nicklas BJ. Dietary treatments for obesity. J Gend Specif Med. 1999;2(2):65–71.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Egger G, Mowbray G. A qualitative analysis of obestity and at-risk overweight in working men. Aus J Nutrition Dietetics 1993;50:10–4.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Wolfe BL, Smith JE. Different strokes for different folks: Why overweight men do not seek weight loss treatment. Eating disorders 2002;10:115–24.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Sabinsky MS, Toft U, Raben A, Holm L. Overweight men's motivations and perceived barriers towards weight loss. Eur J Clin Nutrition 2007;61:526–31.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Hankey CR, Leslie WS, Lean MEJ. Why lose weight? Reasons for seeking weight loss by overweight but otherwise healthy men. Int J Obesity 2002;26:880–2.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Norman GJ, Zabinski MF, Adams MA, Rosenberg DE, Yaroch AL, Atienza A. A review of eHealth interventions for physical activity and dietary behavior change. Am J Prev Med. 2007;33(4):336–345

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  19. Neve M, Morgan PJ, Jones PR, Collins CE. Effectiveness of web-based interventions in achieving weight loss and weight loss maintenance in overweight and obese adults: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Obesity Rev 2010;11:306–21.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Napolitano MA, Fotheringham M, Tate D, et al. Evaluation of an internet-based physical activity intervention: A preliminary investigation. Ann Behav Med. 2003;25(2):92–99.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Wantland DJ, Portillo CJ, Holzemer WL, Slaughter R and McGhee EM. The effectiveness of web-based vs. non-web-based interventions: A meta-analysis of behavioral change outcomes. J Med Internet Res. 2004;6(4):e40.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  22. Tate DF, Wing RR, Winett RA. Using Internet technology to deliver a behavioral weight loss program. JAMA. 2001; 285:1172–1177.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Tate DF, Jackvony EH, Wing RR. Effects of internet behavioral counseling on weight loss in adults at risk for type 2 diabetes. JAMA. 2003;289:1833–1836.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Morgan PJ, Lubans DR, Collins CE, Warren JM, Callister R. The SHED-IT randomized controlled trial: Evaluation of an Internet-based weight loss program for men. Obesity 2009;17(11):2025–32.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Bandura A. Social foundations of thought and action. Englewood Cliffs NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1986.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Sallis JF, Hovell MF. Determinants of exercise behavior. In: Pandolf KB, Holloszy (eds.), Exercise and Sports Sciences Reviews, Vol. 18. Baltimore, MD: Williams and Wilkins, 1990:307–330.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Sallis JF. Physical activity and behavioral medicine. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishers, 1999.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Baranowski T, Lin LS, Wetter DW, Resnicow K, Hearn MD. Theory as mediating variables: Why aren’t community interventions working as desired? Ann Epidemiol. 1997;S7:S89–S95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Calfas KJ, Long BJ, Sallis JF, Wooten WJ, Pratt M, Patrick K. A controlled trial of physician counseling to promote the adoption of physical activity. Prev Med. 1996;25:225–233.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Calfas K, Sallis J, Zabinski M, et al. Preliminary evaluation of a multi-component program for nutrition and physical activity change in primary care: PACE + for Adults. Prev Med. 2002; 34:153–161.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Patrick K, Sallis J, Lydston D, et.al: Preliminary evaluation of a multi-component program for nutrition and physical activity change in primary care: PACE + for Adolescents. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2001;155(8):940–946.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Patrick K, Calfas KJ, Norman GJ, et al. A randomized controlled trial of a primary care and home based intervention for physical activity and nutrition behaviors: PACE + for adolescents Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2006;160:128–136.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Calfas, KJ, Patrick, K, Hagler, A, Norman, GJ, Zabinski, MF, Sallis, JF. Twelve-month dietary and physical activity outcomes in ‘PACEi-Women in Balance’: A primary-care and web-based intervention. Ann Behav Med. 2006;31(Suppl):S184.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Rolls BJ, Bell EA, Dietary approaches to the treatment of obesity, Med Clin North Am, 2000, 84(2):401–18

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. de Castro JM. Dietary energy density is associated with increased intake in free-living humans. J Nutr. 2004 134(2):335–41

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Wing RR, Hill JO. Successful Weight Loss Maintenance. Ann Rev Nutrition. 2001;21:323–341.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. US Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dietary guidelines for Americans 2005. www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/pdf/DGA2005.pdf.

  38. Schmitz KH, Jensen MD, Kugler KC, Jeffery RW, Leon AS. Strength training for obesity prevention in midlife women. Int J Obes. 2003;27:326–333.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Goldstein MG, Whitlock EP, DePue J (2004) Multiple behavioral risk factor interventions in primary care: Summary of research evidence. Am J Prev Med 27(S1): 61–79

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Lustria ML, Cortese J, Noar SM, Glueckauf RL. Computer-tailored health interventions delivered over the Web: Review and analysis of key components. Patient Educ Couns 2009;74(2):156–73.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Ainsworth BE, Haskell WL, Whitt MC, et al. Compendium of physical activities: An update of activity codes and MET intensities. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000;32(9):S498–516.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Patterson RE, Kristal AR, Tinker LF, Carter RA, Bolton MP, Agurs-Collins T. Measurement characteristics of the Women's Health Initiative food frequency questionnaire. Ann Epidemiol. 1999;9(3):178–187.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Thompson IM Jr., Kouril M, Klien EA, Coltman CA, Ryan A, Goodman P. The prostate cancer prevention trial: Current status and lessons learned. Urology. 2001;57(Suppl 1):230–234.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Kristal AR, Arnold KB, Neuhourser ML, Goodman P, Platz EA, Albanes D, Thompson IM. Diet, supplement use, and prostate cancer risk: Results from the prostate cancer prevention trial. Am J Epidemiol 2010;172:566–77.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  45. Kristal AR, Vizenor NC, Patterson RE, Neuhouser ML,Shattuck AL, McLerran D. Precision and bias of food frequency-based measure of fruit and vegetable intake. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2000;9:939–944.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Craig CL, Marshall AL, Sjöström M, et al. International physical activity questionnaire: 12-country reliability and validity. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003;35(8):1381–1395

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Ware JH. Interpreting incomplete data in studies of diet and weight loss. N Engl J Med 2003;348(21):2136–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group (DPP) Reduction in the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes with Lifestyle Intervention or Metformin Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group N Engl J Med 2002; 346:393–403 February 7, 2002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Kriska AM, Delahanty LM, Pettee KK. Lifestyle intervention for the prevention of type 2 diabetes: Translation and future recommendations. Curr Diab Rep 2004 Apr;4(2):113–118. doi:10.1007/s11892-004-0066-9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Farnsworth E, Luscombe ND, Noakes M, Wittert G, Argyiou E, Clifton PM. Effect of a high-protein, energy-restricted diet on body composition, glycemic control, and lipid concentrations in overweight and obese hyperinsulinemic men and women. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;78(1):31–39,

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Dansinger ML, Gleason JA, Griffith JL, Selker HP, Schaefer EJ. Comparison of the Atkins, Ornish, Weight Watchers, and Zone diets for weight loss and heart disease risk reduction: A randomized trial. JAMA 2005;293(1):43–53.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Shick SM, Wing RR, Klem ML, McGuire MT, Hill JO, Seagle H. Persons successful at long-term weight loss and maintenance continue to consume a low-energy, low-fat diet.J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98(4):408–413.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Leslie E, Marshall AL, Owen N, Bauman A. Engagement and retention of participants in a physical activity website. Prev Med. 2005;40:54–59.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Sciamanna CN, Lewis B, Tate D, Napolitano MA, Fotheringham M, Marcus B. Brief communication: User attitudes toward a physical activity promotion website. Prev Med. 2002;35:612–615.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Patrick K, Griswold W, Raab F, Intille SS. Health and the Mobile Phone, Am J Prev Med. 2008;35(2) 177–181.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the NIH/NCI (RO1 R01 CA098861). The authors wish to thank Drs. John Foreyt and Garry Eggers for their consultation on the intervention and design of this study. Also, the authors wish to acknowledge Kara Mareci for her contributions to the execution of this study. All human studies have been approved by the UCSD and SDSU IRBs and have therefore been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki. All persons gave their informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study.

Conflict of Interest

Drs. Patrick, Calfas, and Sallis are co-owners of Santech, Inc. (San Diego, CA) which is developing products related to the research described in this paper. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by San Diego State University and the University of California, San Diego, in accordance with their respective conflict of interest policies.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive 0811, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093-0811, USA

    Kevin Patrick M.D., MS, Karen J. Calfas Ph.D., Gregory J. Norman Ph.D., Dori Rosenberg MPH, MS, Marion F. Zabinski Ph.D., Cheryl L. Rock Ph.D., RD & Lindsay W. Dillon MPH

  2. Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA

    Dori Rosenberg MPH, MS & James F. Sallis Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Kevin Patrick M.D., MS
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Karen J. Calfas Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Gregory J. Norman Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Dori Rosenberg MPH, MS
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Marion F. Zabinski Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. James F. Sallis Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Cheryl L. Rock Ph.D., RD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Lindsay W. Dillon MPH
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kevin Patrick M.D., MS.

About this article

Cite this article

Patrick, K., Calfas, K.J., Norman, G.J. et al. Outcomes of a 12-Month Web-Based Intervention for Overweight and Obese Men. ann. behav. med. 42, 391–401 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-011-9296-7

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-011-9296-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation