Weight loss online - fact or farce
Over the past 5 years, online weight loss programs have become increasingly popular. One such internet-based weight loss program claims to have over 1.2 million members in its database. We are seeing more and more companies creating an internet presence to help with weight loss. Is it a cash grab, or can an Internet-based program really help you?
How can sitting in front of the computer help you lose weight? How can we trust the information provided to us? Try to answer some of these questions.
A study conducted by Brown Medical School provides some interesting results. They compared the results of two groups of overweight people over a period of 6 months. Both groups were trying to lose weight. One group was subscribed to a structured web and email-based program – while the other group simply received a positive number of internet links to weight loss information. Contributors who received a structured behavioral treatment program with weekly contact and individualized feedback had better weight loss compared to those who received links to educational websites. The study concluded that “the Internet and email appear to be viable methods for delivering structured behavioral weight loss programs”
.However, a smaller study conducted later compared a single online weight loss program with a group knowing only a weight loss manual. The results here were quite different, with the non-internet group performing better. P
Our modern sedentary lifestyle has a huge influence on health in the western world. However, we have never European so much information at our fingertips. Online weight loss programs allow people to have weekly personalized advice and support at a fraction of the normal cost. There's no doubt that brick-and-mortar weight loss centers like Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, and LA Weight Loss are significantly more expensive than their online competitors. The assistance available on the online boards, message boards, email, and chat help people's weight loss efforts.
Information on weight loss - charlatanism or quality? There is a selection to offer from the internet - it allows anyone to pick up a pen (or keyboard) and start writing. Like most modern mediums, it's both good and bad. There is a considerable amount of MS information out there, but it can help you make more informed decisions.
Previously, our only source of information was from advertising, magazine articles, or our local doctors. This information usually came from a single school of thought or establishment. The internet allows us to sift through real-world information, written by the same people who have suffered from the conditions, and found an answer.
Without making fun of the medical establishment, it seems that many doctors prescribe drugs too quickly. We can't help but be cynical when we see the names of pharmaceutical companies written on pens and notepads in the medical closet! We need to be more informed and weigh our own decisions for what is best for our bodies.
Weight loss online - What to expect The two studies published in the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), tell us that, yes, online 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 should also be kept in mind that the cost of these programs is very good compared to the amount of information you receive.
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