Predictors of Nonusage in a Web-Based Weight Loss Program
Author Information
Author(s): Gunther Eysenbach, Harvey-Berino, Jean Wanner, Miriam Van 't Riet, Jonathan Neve, Melinda J Neve, Clare E Collins, Philip J Morgan
Primary Institution: University of Newcastle
Hypothesis
What factors predict retention and website use in a commercial web-based weight loss program?
Conclusion
The study found a high prevalence of nonusage attrition among participants in a commercial web-based weight loss program, with several sociodemographic and behavioral factors predicting this attrition.
Supporting Evidence
- 72% of participants subscribed for 12 weeks, while 28% subscribed for 52 weeks.
- The retention rate was 97% for 12-week subscribers and 77% for 52-week subscribers.
- 35% of 12-week subscribers were classified as program 'users' after 12 weeks.
Takeaway
Many people who sign up for online weight loss programs stop using them, and certain habits and characteristics can help predict who will stick with it.
Methodology
Participants were adults aged 18 to 75 who enrolled in a commercial web-based weight loss program, with data collected on their sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics.
Potential Biases
The self-directed nature of the program may have led to higher nonusage rates as participants could easily stop using it.
Limitations
The study only considered pretreatment characteristics and did not track all features of the program, which may have affected nonusage rates.
Participant Demographics
Participants were predominantly female (86%), with a mean age of 35.7 years, and included individuals classified as overweight (31%) and obese (61%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
0.73 - 0.93
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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