Undergrad and Overweight: An Online Behavioral Weight Management Program for College Students

ObjectiveExplore the feasibility of an online behavioral weight management program for college students.MethodsThe program focused on behavioral strategies to modify eating and exercise behaviors of students interested in losing weight and/or developing a healthy lifestyle. Specific tools included weekly chat meetings with a facilitator, calorie and fat gram recommendations, daily food logs, and exercise guidance.ResultsThree hundred thirty-six students participated from 2 northeastern universities. Overweight/obese students wanting to lose weight had a mean body mass index of 30.6 kg/m2 at baseline and lost an average of 5.1 ± 6.0 lbs. Those of healthy weight wanting to lose weight had a mean body mass index of 22.0 kg/m2 at baseline and lost an average of 1.8 ± 3.2 lbs. Twenty-three percent of students lost > 5% of their baseline weight.Conclusions and ImplicationsUse of an online behavioral weight management program may be a feasible way to help college students develop healthy eating and exercise behaviors.