Our study shows that a structured program with continued contact works better than just giving people access to information online. Published in the March 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, Tate's study lays the groundwork for research on the best methods to help people lose weight online. They received feedback from a trained therapist through e-mail and had access to an electronic bulletin board for support from their fellow participants, and to information resources about diet and exercise. Many participants achieved a standard weight-loss benchmark. The Internet combines the ability to disseminate written information with the opportunity to interact through e-mail, bulletin boards or chat rooms.
Dieters can also access the Web on their own schedule.
Tate collaborated on the study with Rena R. Wing, professor of psychiatry and human behavior at the Medical School, and Richard A. Winett, professor of psychology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The study was supported by a grant from the Weight Risk Investigators Study Council, a research division of Knoll Pharmaceutical.