Over the past 5 years, online weight loss programs have become increasingly popular. One such Internet-only weight loss program claims to have over 1.2 million members in it's database. We are seeing more and more companies creating an Internet presence to assist with weight loss.
Is it a money grab, or can an Internet-based program genuinely help you? How can sitting at the computer help you to lose weight? How can we trust the information being provided to us? Let's try and answer some of those questions.
Money-making or Real Help?
A study conducted by the Brown Medical School provides some interesting results. They compared the results of 2 groups of overweight people over a period of 6 months. Both groups were trying to lose weight. One group was subscribed into a structured Web and email based program - whilst the other group was simply given a number of Internet links to weight loss information.
Participants who were given a structured behavioral treatment program with weekly contact and individualized feedback had better weight loss compared with those given links to educational Web sites. The study concluded that "the Internet and e-mail appear to be viable methods for delivery of structured behavioral weight loss programs."
However a smaller study conducted later compared only a single online weight loss program with a group given only a weight loss manual. The results here were quite different, with the non-Internet group getting better results.
Losing Weight By sitting in Front of the Computer?
Our modern sedentary lifestyle is having a huge impact on health in the Western world. However, never before have we had so much information available at our fingertips. The on-line weight loss programs, are allowing people to have counseling, and weekly personalized support at a fraction of the normal cost.
There is no doubt that "bricks-and-mortar" weight loss centers, such as Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, and LA Weight Loss, are significantly more expensive than their on-line competitors.
The support available from on-line forums, message boards, email, and chat, is contributing to peoples weight loss efforts.
Weight Loss Information - Quackery or Quality?
There is one thing about the Internet - it allows anyone to take up a pen (or a keyboard) and start writing. Like most modern mediums, this is both good and bad. There is considerable ms-information out there, but it can allow you to make more informed decisions.
Previously our only source of information was from advertising, magazine articles, or from our local physicians. This information typically came from a single school of thought, or establishment. The Internet allows us to sift for real-world information, written by the very people that have suffered the conditions, and found an answer.
Without wishing to deride the medical establishment, it seems that many doctors are too quick to prescribe medication. We can't help but feel cynical when we see the names of pharmaceutical companies written on pens and notepads in the doctors office!
We need to be more informed and weigh up our own decisions for what is best for our bodies.
Online Weight Loss - What To Expect
The two studies published in the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), tell us that, yes, on-line weight loss can and does work. It also tells us to be realistic about what to expect. The best person to help you succeed is you.
It's also worth bearing in mind that the cost for these programs is very good compared with the amount of information that you receive.
If you are considering altering your diet, and beginning an exercise regime, it's well worth having a look at some of the programs on-line to see if they will suit.
-----------------------------------------------------
free dieting - the weight loss guide is a resource for everything concerning losing weight. Independent reviews of popular diets, and articles taking a serious look at the causes and solution of weight problems.
This article is available for reprint in your ezine or website. No changes should be made, and all links left in tact. (c) 2004 free dieting - the weight loss guide. All Rights Reserved
Elk Grove (east OF 53) car service from Midway .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareIt can be intimidating to follow a weight loss plan,... Read More
After the post-Halloween sugar surge, everyone coaches you to get... Read More
Gastric bypass patients often find themselves regaining weight soon after... Read More
This is a perfect example of how on-line weight loss... Read More
Many gastric bypass patients report frequent spells of dizziness. In... Read More
Foods that are high in fiber and protein are the... Read More
Today I stopped by my favorite coffee shop in Berkeley,... Read More
Diet drop out, a significant problem for all types of... Read More
I bet you already know all the health benefits for... Read More
The only absolute truth in the area of exercise and... Read More
When on a diet, snack attacks can hit hard and... Read More
There's no way you can separate the Jack LaLanne diet... Read More
In the early nineties I had the opportunity to work... Read More
Have You Given Up on Weight Loss? by Greg Landry,... Read More
Are you feeling down and out? Do you feel even... Read More
I just came back from three days in Las Vegas.... Read More
The perfect diet should be combined with a healthy weight... Read More
You've heard the popular advice on weight loss diets. Cut... Read More
Weight loss is never easy. Although this is stating the... Read More
Any food that we take into our bodies is composed... Read More
A healthy pregnancy almost always involves weight gain. But now... Read More
My name is Greg Ryan and I am a high... Read More
The heated debate, within diet circles, that began a few... Read More
Diet and Exercise. They are the inseparable twins that are... Read More
Liposuction is also referred to as lipoplasty, suction-assisted lipectomy and... Read More
Green Oaks limo rental ..Are you up to a cave man diet? You won't... Read More
Things get so confusing when it comes to understanding what... Read More
When Instant Results Take TimeYesterday I decided to "get back... Read More
A client wrote, "Help me! I thought I was finally... Read More
Obesity, especially in children, is a matter of rapidly growing... Read More
Just the facts on bodybuilding weightloss strategies that work. No... Read More
Protein is an essential nutrient necessary for maintaining good health.... Read More
ObesityToday, 64.5 percent of adult Americans (about 127 million) are... Read More
Weight Loss and Water: A Way to Make Your Body... Read More
1. Persistence!Violate this step and you'll never achieve permanent results.... Read More
Please feel free to comment, to provide good information and... Read More
A state of emergency has been recently put on European... Read More
Did you know that less than 2% of dieters lose... Read More
(But What You Need to Know if You Want to... Read More
There are many books and internet articles written about weight... Read More
Ready for a hardcore diet to get lean in a... Read More
Weight Watchers inspired me to change my eating habits, lose... Read More
The weight loss protein debate centers around the effectiveness of... Read More
The Atkins diet Plan breakfast can usually composed of eggs... Read More
1. Include in your diet things that contain more water... Read More
Losing weight on hips and thighs has always been a... Read More
Many people want to lose a few of those annoying... Read More
I'm sure you have heard it before, but one of... Read More
How many of your New Year's resolution start out with... Read More
Which diet pill are you currently taking for your weight... Read More
Weight Loss |