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CDC COMMUNITY GUIDE: Obesity Prevention and Control: Technology-Supported Multicomponent Coaching or Counseling Interventions to Reduce Weight and Maintain Weight Loss

CDC

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

Technology-supported multicomponent coaching or counseling interventions use technology to facilitate or mediate interactions between a coach or counselor and an individual or group, with a goal of influencing weight-related behaviors or weight-related outcomes. These interventions often also include other components, which may be technological or non-technological.

Technology-supported components may include use of the following:
• Computers (e.g., internet, CD-ROM, e-mail, kiosk, computer program)
• Video conferencing
• Personal digital assistants
• Pagers
• Pedometers with computer interaction
• Computerized telephone system interventions that target physical activity, nutrition, or weight.

Non-technological components may include use of the following:
• In-person counseling
• Manual tracking
• Printed lessons
• Written feedback

Because of differences in implementation and intended outcomes, interventions aimed at reducing weight were considered separately from those intended to maintain weight loss.

Results / Accomplishments

The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends technology-supported multicomponent coaching or counseling interventions intended to reduce weight on the basis of sufficient evidence that they are effective in improving weight-related behaviors or weight-related outcomes.

The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends technology-supported multicomponent weight coaching or counseling interventions intended to maintain weight loss on the basis of sufficient evidence that they are effective in maintaining weight-related behaviors or weight-related outcomes.

About this Promising Practice

Primary Contact
Topics
Health / Physical Activity
Source
Community Guide Branch Epidemiology and Analysis Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Adults