Weight loss social support in 140 characters or less: use of an online social network in a remotely delivered weight loss intervention.
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Date
2013-09-27
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Abstract
Little is known about how online social networking can help enhance weight loss To examine the types of online social support utilized in a behavioral weight loss intervention and relationship of posting and weight loss A sub analysis of the content and number of posts to Twitter among participants n 47 randomized to a mobile social network arm as part of a 6 month trial among overweight adults examining weight loss use of Twitter and type of social support informational tangible assistance esteem network and emotional support A number of Twitter posts were related to weight loss at 6 months p Under 0 001 Initial reported weight loss predicted engagement with Twitter p Under 0 01 but prior Twitter use or initial Twitter engagement did not Most Twitter posts total posts n 2 630 were Informational support n 1 981 75 with the predominant subtype of Teaching n 1 632 62 mainly in the form of a status update n 1 319 Engagement with Twitter was related to weight loss and participants mainly used Twitter to provide Information support to one another through status updates
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Keywords
At risk for a particular disease or infection, Client, Social support network, Low adherence to treatments, Pre-prototype, Functionality, Randomized, Obesity, Chronic care, Health education or promotion, Disease management, Internet, Text, Chat / Discussion Community