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

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.

Summary of Task Force Recommendations & Findings

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.

Task Force Finding & Rationale Statement

The Task Force finding presented on this page was made in June 2009. It was based on a systematic review of all available studies, conducted on behalf of the Task Force by a team of specialists in systematic review methods, and in research, practice and policy related to obesity prevention and control. Please subscribe to be notified as new materials on this topic become available.

Supporting Materials

Publications

The findings and results of this systematic review have not been published. Read other Community Guide publications about Obesity Prevention and Control in our library. You may also subscribe to be notified as new materials on this topic become available.



Disclaimer

The findings and conclusions on this page are those of the Community Preventive Services Task Force and do not necessarily represent those of CDC.

Sample Citation

The content of publications of the Guide to Community Preventive Services is in the public domain. Citation as to source, however, is appreciated. Sample citation: Guide to Community Preventive Services. Obesity prevention and control: Technology-supported multicomponent coaching or counseling interventions to reduce weight and maintain weight loss (abbreviated). www.thecommunityguide.org/obesity/TechnicalCoaching.html. Last updated: MM/DD/YYYY.

Review completed: June 2009