Results Based on consistent evidence from studies that were rated as moderate or strong , there is good evidence that military weight management interventions are effective in improving body composition for duration s of up to 12 months .
Effective interventions are more likely to be high intensity ( have a greater number of sessions ) , are more often delivered by specialists , and use theoretical base/behavioral change techniques and a st and ardized guideline .
Dietary interventions can potentially reduce total fat and saturated fat intake .
Dietary interventions that target the kitchen staff and /or increase the availability of healthy food are more likely to be effective in the short term .
The results regarding military physical fitness interventions were inconclusive .
Conclusion Despite limitations such as the diversity and heterogeneity of the included interventions , outcome measurements , and follow-up duration , this systematic review found good evidence that weight management interventions are effective , especially in terms of weight loss .
Background Research has been conducted to assess the effectiveness of weight management , dietary and physical activity interventions in military setting s. However , a recent and comprehensive overview is lacking .
The aim of this systematic review is to examine the evidence and describe key components of effective interventions in terms of improving body composition , dietary behaviors , and physical activity among active-duty military personnel .
Weight management using the internet a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND Most weight-loss research targets obese individuals who desire large weight reductions . However , evaluation of weight-gain prevention in overweight individuals is also critical as most Americans become obese as a result of a gradual gain of 1 - 2 pounds per year over many years . METHOD This study evaluated the efficacy of an Internet-based program for  weight-loss and weight-gain prevention with a two-group , prospect i ve , r and omized controlled trial . A military medical research center with a population of 17,000 active-duty military personnel supplied 446 overweight individuals ( 222 men ; 224 women ) with a mean age of 34 years and a mean BMI of 29 . Recruitment and study participation occurred 2003 - 2005 and data were analyzed in 2006 . Participants were r and omly assigned to receive the 6-month behavioral Internet treatment ( BIT , n=227 ) or usual care ( n=224 ) . Change in body weight , BMI , percent body fat , and waist circumference ; presented as group by time interactions , were measured . RESULTS After 6 months , completers who received BIT  lost 1.3 kg while those assigned to usual care  gained 0.6 kg ( F((df=366))=24.17 ; I<0.001 ) . Results were similar for the intention-to-treat model . BIT participants also had significant changes in BMI ( -0.5 vs + 0.2 kg/m(2 ) ; F((df=366))=24.58 ) ; percent body fat ( -0.4 vs + 0.6 % ; F((df=366))=10.45 ) ; and waist circumference ( -2.1 vs -0.4 cm ; F((df=366))=17.09 ) ; p<0.001 for all . CONCLUSIONS Internet-based weight-management interventions result in small amounts of weight loss , prevent weight gain , and have potential for widespread dissemination as a population health approach . TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT00417599
Results Based on consistent evidence from studies that were rated as moderate or strong , there is good evidence that military weight management interventions are effective in improving body composition for duration s of up to 12 months .
Effective interventions are more likely to be high intensity ( have a greater number of sessions ) , are more often delivered by specialists , and use theoretical base/behavioral change techniques and a st and ardized guideline .
Dietary interventions can potentially reduce total fat and saturated fat intake .
Dietary interventions that target the kitchen staff and /or increase the availability of healthy food are more likely to be effective in the short term .
The results regarding military physical fitness interventions were inconclusive .
Conclusion Despite limitations such as the diversity and heterogeneity of the included interventions , outcome measurements , and follow-up duration , this systematic review found good evidence that weight management interventions are effective , especially in terms of weight loss .
Background Research has been conducted to assess the effectiveness of weight management , dietary and physical activity interventions in military setting s. However , a recent and comprehensive overview is lacking .
The aim of this systematic review is to examine the evidence and describe key components of effective interventions in terms of improving body composition , dietary behaviors , and physical activity among active-duty military personnel .