The efficacy of a telemedicine-based weight loss program with video conference health coaching support

Introduction Clinically significant weight loss is defined as a >= 5% of initial body weight loss within a 6-month period. The purpose of this study was to assess body weight change from a 12-week telehealth-based weight loss program that integrated health coaching via video conferencing. Methods A total of 25 obese participants (12 males, 13 females) were recruited for this fully online 12-week weight loss program. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or control group (n = 13 intervention, body mass index (BMI) = 34.7 +/- 4.5 kg/m(2); n = 12 control, BMI = 34.4 +/- 4.43 kg/m(2)). All participants were given access to a secure platform for data tracking and video conferencing with the research team. The intervention group met with the medical doctor once per month and with a registered dietitian, weekly. Control participants met with the research team at baseline and at 12 weeks. Independent samples t-tests and Chi-square tests were used via SPSS version 24 with significance set to p < 0.05. Results There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups for body weight loss (7.3 +/- 5.2 versus 1.2 +/- 3.9 kg, respectively, p < 0.05) as well as for percent body weight loss (7.16 +/- 4.4 versus 1.5 +/- 4.1%, respectively, p < 0.05). Clinically significant weight loss was achieved in 9 out of 13 (69.2%) in the intervention group versus 1 out of 12 (8%) in the control group. Discussion Mobile phone-based health coaching may promote weight loss. Weekly video conferencing with education may be an applicable tool for inducing significant body weight loss in obese individuals.