SparkPeople

Description:

Spark People is a free internet support group for individuals trying to lose weight. Message boards covering a range of topics are available. You can also join a specific ‘team' that is relevant to you - selecting by, for example, geographical area, age group, reason for weight loss. You can read other member's blogs and create your own. A ‘tips' section, ‘highlight' of the week from the community's most inspiring member and ‘success stories' are also available. The site is funded by advertising.

Service URL:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/community_home.asp

Agency Responsible:

Spark People: Other. Private company

Details

Format:

Bulletin Board. Message boards covering various topics and member blogs

Size Of Membership:

approx 500,000 members

Start Date:

2002

Moderation Status:

Moderated.

Moderation Type:

Consumer/Carer.

Associated Website Intervention:

http://www.sparkpeople.com The Online Support Group is part of a wider website, including information and various tools to promote weight-loss

Accreditation Status:

Not Accredited.

Funding Source:

Commercial. Supported by advertising

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Weight and Obesity.

Primary Target Audience:

Adult.

Secondary Target Audience:

Consumer.

Language:

English.

Access

Registration Requirement:

Open to view, but registration to participate. You can choose to register with your facebook account but this is not a requirement

Fee:

Free.

Contact Details:

support@sparkpeople.com

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Outcome Summary:

One study has examined the rates of self-reported social support for weight loss among users of the Spark People online support group. Direct associations were found between use of the discussion forum and measures of emotional, informational and appraisal support. However, controlled studies including a sample of non-users of the discussion forum, are needed to establish its impact.

Research Paper Citations

Hwang, K.O., Ottenbacher, A.J., Lucke, J.F., Etchegaray, J.M., Graham, A.L., Thomas, E.J. and Bernstam, E.V. (2012) Measuring Social Support for Weight Loss in an Internet Weight Loss Community. Journal of Health Communication International Perspectives, 16(2): 198-211.