Effects of a Telenutrition Weight Loss Program Supported with Telemonitoring and Telehealth Coaching on Anthropometric and Biochemical Measures in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Objectives: Telenutrition has been reported to enable dietitians to support outpatients remotely in an accessible and convenient state. The literature shows that both telemonitoring and health coaching are effective approaches for achieving a greater impact on weight loss and the client's compliance with their diet. The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of a telenutrition weight loss program on weight reduction, supported with telemonitoring and health coaching. Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted among overweight and obese adults. The control group (n = 11) received a hypocaloric and tailored diet via telenutrition. The intervention group (n = 18) also received a hypocaloric and tailored diet via telenutrition, but it was supported with weekly telemonitoring and monthly telehealth coaching. Results: Participants who joined the intervention group showed a reduction in weight, BMI, fat %, visceral fat, and WC, whereas participants in the control group only displayed a reduction in WC after a period of 3 months. Comparing between the groups, a greater reduction in weight, BMI, fat %, and visceral fat was seen in the intervention group. Furthermore, muscle % was significantly higher in the intervention group after a period of 3 months. At the 6-month follow-up, the intervention group still showed promising results, but they were not significant. Conclusions: Our data indicate that the integration of the three approaches of telenutrition, telemonitoring, and health coaching in dietary weight loss programs can have significant impacts on weight loss in obese and overweight individuals.