Piloting Visual Chat in Internet Obesity Treatment

The overall goal of this project is to determine whether weight losses can be improved if
visual chat and electronic smart scales are added to an established 6-month online weight
loss program. The primary aim is to assess weight change differences between subjects
randomized to receive an Internet program alone (with text chat; INTERNET) vs. an Internet
program with visual chat and electronic scales (VIDEO INTERNET). A secondary aim is to
evaluate differences in social support experienced by subjects in both conditions. Overweight
and obese adults (n=40) at two study sites (UVM and the University of South Carolina) will be
randomly assigned to Internet (n=20) or Video Internet (n=20). All participants will receive
the same 24 week web-based group weight control program which features synchronous
facilitated chats and online behavioral tools. The only difference will be the delivery of
the chat (text vs. visual) and the electronic smart scales given to the VIDEO INTERNET group.
Assessments will be conducted at 0, 2 and 6 months and will include measures of body weight,
treatment engagement (e.g., attendance, self-monitoring, website utilization), social support
and treatment satisfaction.

Inclusion Criteria:

- 18 years old

- BMI between 25 and 55

- Free of medical problems that would preclude participation in a behavioral weight
reduction program containing an exercise component

- Not currently pregnant or pregnant in the previous 6 months or breastfeeding

- Must have a computer at home or work with access to the Internet

- Only one member of a household is eligible to participate

- Must successfully complete a self-monitoring diary of foods consumed for 3 days

- must be willing to share access to self monitoring information collected via My
Fitness Pal by friending the CHAT research team

- Not currently on medication that might affect weight loss

- Not enrolled in another weight loss program

Exclusion Criteria:

- BMI less than 25 or more than 55

- Lost 10 pounds or more in the last 6 months

- Had a heart attack or stroke in the past 6 months

- Ever had weight loss surgery

- Currently taking medications for weight loss

- Persons required by their doctor to follow a special diet (other than low fat)

- Plans to move from the area in the upcoming 9 months

- Schedules that make it likely someone would have difficulty attending the scheduled
chat groups