Healthy Weight Center

Description:

The Healthy Weight Centre (HWC) program is designed to help users achieve and maintain a healthy weight, using behaviour-change exercises which have been adapted for delivery online, combined with online social networking tools such as forums and instant messaging. Users have access to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) exercises which can be worked through at their own pace. In all, users have access to expert-moderated support groups and support specialists, web-based instant messaging service, an initial assessment with personalised feedback, BMI calculator, calorie lookup tool, a check-in diary with tailored feedback, customised meal plans, self-guided educational modules addressing nutrition, fitness and behaviour topics, 11 weeks of support emails, 31 days of inspirational text messaging

Service URL:

http://www.healthyweightcenter.net/

Agency Responsible:

Evolution Health Systems Inc..

Details

Format:

Website.

Intervention Types:

Educational (primarily educational material or psychoeducation), Psychological – CBT and Lifestyle (e.g. physical activity, diet).

Course Length:

Long (more than 5 modules).

Support Option:

Clinical support.

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Weight and Obesity.

Target Audience:

Adult.

Language:

English.

Access

Fee:

Free.

Access:

Open: With registration.

Contact Details:

research@evolutionhs.com

Research evidence

Research Trials:

0

Research RCTs:

0

Outcome Summary:

There is currently no research evidence that the site is effective in helping users to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. One study examined the site utilisation patterns of a sample of HWC users, but did not assess the effectiveness of the online tools.

Recommended rating, reviewer 1:

Recommended rating, reviewer 2:

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Research paper citations

Additional references

1. Binks, M., & van Mierlo, T. (2010). Utilization patterns and user characteristics of an ad libitum internet weight loss program. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 12(1), e9.
2. Conference presentation: Binks, M., & van Mierlo. T. (2010). Comparison of users of a free direct-to-public online eight loss program according to geographic location: United States vs. Canada (available on www.evolutionhs.com site).