Morbid Obesity and Online support - does it work?
Each day, a simple search of the internet will show dozens of results for morbid obesity or weight loss, or weight loss solutions. Men and women around the globe are looking to solve a personal problem that haunts millions of individuals every day. As the condition of obesity becomes more publicly discussed, researchers are starting to focus on solutions to the emotional, physical and medical problem of obesity.
With the advent of cheap, accessible food and little or no need for daily exercise, humans (in developed countries) are getting fatter each year. Even with 200,000 weight loss surgerys being performed annually, surgery will never be an option for all obese individuals, and it is one that many choose not to pursue. Therefore, scientists are looking at other ways to combat the growing waistlines and pending health crisies.
The author of a 2006 study, found that ongoing support deliverd by email was an effective tool in weight loss programs because it has the potential to reach diverse populations across time zones, socio-economic status, and even in different countries, at a fraction of the cost of traditional non-web based programs. More than 1/3 of the participants lost more than 5 percent of their starting weight - a signficant result.
In another 2008 study, a participants in the computer (email) group reported greater weight loss and maintanence than the self-directed group. Even if small increases in success occur, the results of these studies demonstrate the benefit of online support, especially when cost is a factor, for long-term successful weight loss.
As morbid obesity continues to plague millions of us, there are better options available for losing weight. The cost of some online programs can be less than the cost of a daily cup of coffee or soda, and yet the benefit of lost weight and increased self-esteem priceless.
If you are combating obesity, there are inexpensive programs available to help you lose massive amounts of weight, safely and permanently.
I think finding an online program is far better than sitting in a support group…but that is just me. Being very private, I would rather just have some one-on-one support via the internet.