Vtrim Online

Description:

Vtrim Online offers 12-week programs designed to change eating and exercise habits using behaviour modification techniques. The programs comprise of weekly online group classes (at specified times) that are guided by a facilitator. Groups consist of 15-20 members, all working on similar goals to improve health habits. In addition to the support gained through the group setting, you receive individualised guidance throughout the program from your group facilitator. Each weekly group session centres on a specific topic geared to help you establish healthier behaviours and habits you can use for the rest of your life. The program uses behaviour therapy techniques to focuses on stimulus control, relapse prevention, problem solving and social support to change eating and exercise habits. The program includes tools such as a daily food journal, recipe-builder and calorie counter, as well as fitness management to help you track how many calories you eat and how much exercise you do. There are weekly homework assignments to be completed and submitted to the group facilitator who provides feedback and support by email.

Service URL:
Agency Responsible:
University of Vermont.

Details

Format:
Website.
Intervention Type:
Psychological – CBT.
Course Length:
Long (more than 5 modules). 12 weeks
Support Option:
Clinical support. Lay support is also available through an online discussion board

Target Audience

Primary Category:
Weight and Obesity. Weight Loss
Target Audience:
Adult.
Language:
English.

Access

Fee:
Fee-based. USD $375 for a 12 week course
Access:
Closed: Fee required.
Contact Details:

getstarted@vtrimonline.com

Research evidence

Research Trials:
3
Research RCTs:
0
Outcome Summary:

A randomised trial was conducted comparing three groups: Vtrim, in-person therapy, Vtrim and in-person therapy combined. This trial found that those in the in-person therapy group lost the most weight, but those in the Vtrim group also lost clinically significant amounts of weight. Over half of the Vtrim subjects lost at least 5% of their baseline weight. The proportion of participants reaching a 5% weight loss did not significantly differ between the groups, although there were significant between group differences in the proportion losing 7% of their weight. These results suggest that Vtrim is a viable alternative to in-person treatment for weight loss. A previous trial comparing the Vtrim program alone to the program plus the addition of in-person therapy once a month found no significant differences in weight loss outcomes between the groups. This suggests that the Vtrim program alone might be effective in achieving weight loss. Another trial compared Vtrim to an online self-help program and found that participants in the Vtrim group lost significantly more weight than those in the self-help program group (p = .004) and maintained a greater weight loss at 12 months (p = .002).

Recommended rating, reviewer 1:

There is evidence that the site might work. More conclusive studies are needed.
Recommended rating, reviewer 2:

There is evidence that the site might work. More conclusive studies are needed.

Read more about Beacon's Smiley Rating System.

Research paper citations

  1. Gold, B. C., Burke, S., Pintauro, S., Buzzell, P., Harvey-Berino, J. (2007). Weight loss on the web: A pilot study comparing a structured behavioral intervention to a commercial program. Obesity (Silver Spring), 15(1), 155-164.
  2. Harvey-Berino, J., West, D., Krukowski, R., Prewitt, E., VanBiervliet, A., Ashikaga, T., & Skelly, J. (2010). Internet delivered behavioral obesity treatment. Preventive Medicine, 51(2), 123-128.
  3. Krukowski, R. A., Harvey-Berino, J., Ashikaga, T., Thomas, C. S., & Micco, N. (2008). Internet-based weight control: the relationship between web features and weight loss. Telemedicine Journal and E-Health, 14(8), 775-782.
  4. Micco, N., Gold, B., Buzzell, P., Leonard, H., Pintauro, S., & Harvey-Berino, J. (2007). Minimal in-person support as an adjunct to internet obesity treatment, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 33, 49-56.

 

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Last Updated: October 4th 2011