Online and In-Person Diabetes Programs Are Equally Effective for Weight Loss
Researchers from the Veterans Administration recently examined the efficiency of online and in-person diabetes programs when it came to weight loss. This was completed by comparing results from online and in-person diabetes programs with the face-to-face MOVE! weight management program.
A total of 268 pre-diabetic veterans classified as either overweight or obese were enrolled in an online diabetes program, with 56% completing at least eight modules from 2015-2017. A similar number were enrolled in face-to-face diabetes programs, and the groups experienced similar success. Those enrolled in the online program lost a mean of 10.3 pounds in six months and 8.8 pounds in 12 months. Participants in the standard in-person diabetes program lost an average of 10.6 pounds and 9 pounds, respectively.
Participants in the MOVE! program saw significantly less weight loss. They experienced an average of 1.1 pounds lost at six months and 10.6 pounds at one year.
These findings were published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine on September 24, 2018.
