biostudies-literatureTate DFNIDDK NIH HHSNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases2363-2375https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9912959biostudies-literatureUnknown30(12)<h4>Objective</h4>Despite the high prevalence of obesity and associated health risks in the United States adult population, few primary care providers (PCPs) have time and training to provide weight-management counseling to their patients. This study aims to compare the effect of referral to a comprehensive automated digital weight-loss program, with or without provider email feedback, with usual care on weight loss in patients with overweight or obesity.<h4>Methods</h4>A total of 550 adults (mean [SD], 51.4 [11.2] years, BMI = 35.1 [5.5] kg/m² , 72.0% female) were enrolled through their PCPs (n = 31). Providers were randomly assigned to refer their patients to a 12-month internet weight-loss intervention only (IWL), the intervention plus semiautomated feedback from the provider (IWL + PCP), or to usual care (EUC). Weight was measured at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months.<h4>Results</h4>Weight changes (mean [SE]) at 12 months were -0.92 (0.46), -3.68 (0.46), and -3.58 (0.48) kg in the EUC, IWL, and IWL + PCP groups, respectively. Outcomes were significantly different in EUC versus IWL and EUC versus IWL + PCP (p < 0.001), but not in IWL versus IWL + PCP.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Referral by PCPs to an automated weight-loss program holds promise for patients with obesity. Future research should explore ways to further promote accountability and adherence.Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)A cluster-randomized controlled trial of automated internet weight-loss programs in primary care: Role of automated provider feedback.PMC9912959P30 DK056350R01 DK095078R01‐DK095078Diamond MVeldheer SHwang KOSciamanna CNTate DFKraschnewski JLMartinez CLehman EBYang CfalseA cluster-randomized controlled trial of automated internet weight-loss programs in primary care: Role of automated provider feedback.<h4>Objective</h4>Despite the high prevalence of obesity and associated health risks in the United States adult population, few primary care providers (PCPs) have time and training to provide weight-management counseling to their patients. This study aims to compare the effect of referral to a comprehensive automated digital weight-loss program, with or without provider email feedback, with usual care on weight loss in patients with overweight or obesity.<h4>Methods</h4>A total of 550 adults (mean [SD], 51.4 [11.2] years, BMI = 35.1 [5.5] kg/m² , 72.0% female) were enrolled through their PCPs (n = 31). Providers were randomly assigned to refer their patients to a 12-month internet weight-loss intervention only (IWL), the intervention plus semiautomated feedback from the provider (IWL + PCP), or to usual care (EUC). Weight was measured at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months.<h4>Results</h4>Weight changes (mean [SE]) at 12 months were -0.92 (0.46), -3.68 (0.46), and -3.58 (0.48) kg in the EUC, IWL, and IWL + PCP groups, respectively. Outcomes were significantly different in EUC versus IWL and EUC versus IWL + PCP (p < 0.001), but not in IWL versus IWL + PCP.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Referral by PCPs to an automated weight-loss program holds promise for patients with obesity. Future research should explore ways to further promote accountability and adherence.2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Dec2026-05-29T07:38:14.646Z2025-02-19T01:16:20.457ZS-EPMC99129593641600010.1002/oby.23506