Web‐based Weight Loss in Primary Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Evidence is lacking regarding effective and sustainable weight loss approaches for use in the primary care setting. We conducted a 12-week randomized controlled trial to evaluate the short-term efficacy of a web-based weight loss intervention among 101 primary care patients with obesity and hypertension. Patients had access to a comprehensive website that used a moderate-intensity weight loss approach designed specifically for web-based implementation. Patients also participated in four (two in-person and two telephonic) counseling sessions with a health coach. Intent-to-treat analysis showed greater weight loss at 3 months (−2.56 kg; 95% CI −3.60, −1.53) among intervention participants (−2.28 ± 3.21 kg), relative to usual care (0.28 ± 1.87 kg). Similar findings were observed among intervention completers (−3.05 kg; 95% CI −4.24, −1.85). High rates of participant retention (84%) and website utilization were observed, with the greatest weight loss found among those with a high frequency of website logins (quartile 4 vs. 1: −4.16 kg; 95% CI −1.47, −6.84). The intervention's approach promoted moderate weight loss at 12 weeks, though greater weight loss was observed among those with higher levels of website utilization. Efficacious web-based weight loss interventions can be successfully offered in the primary care setting.