With two-thirds of American adults characterized as obese, and with so many people using the Internet, online weight loss and exercise programs could be useful to help solve this public health issue. Researchers at the University of Vermont found that people who completed an Internet-based weight maintenance program lost as much weight as people who had face-to-face support. With no lack of programs to choose from, online programs can help you reach your weight loss and fitness goals.
FitClick
FitClick is a free source for weight loss programs, exercise programs and nutrition plans. It features a number of weight loss programs. Boost & Burn for Beginners, Jumpstart for Women, Flat Abs Solution and Performance Push combine diet plans with workouts all in one easy-to-use calendar. The calorie counter and workout tracker help keep you focused, while the recipe finder helps you add variety to your program. The online community featuring blogs, articles, message boards and groups keeps you connected to other people to help increase adherence.
myShape
By becoming a mySHAPE member at Shape.com, you will have access to a virtual trainer, allowing you to choose from more than 30 strength training programs to create a personalized fitness routine. Like Fitclick, membership to this site is free.
MyShape offers a food database of more than 20,000 items ranging from recipes featured in "Shape" magazine to common supermarket brands. The customized profile lets you track pictures, your starting and desired weights, your body fat percentage and girth measurements.
Weight Watchers eTools
Though most typically known for their weekly meetings, Weight Watchers also offers eTools, an online companion to the meetings. Weight Watchers features the Points system, whereby each food item is assigned a point value. With the eTools interactive system, Weight Watchers members can track their point values, track their progress and weight, and find nutritional values for restaurant foods.
Biggest Loser Club
Based on the hit television show, the Biggest Loser Club features interactive daily exercise activities and customized nutrition plans. Certified trainers and dietitians monitor the message boards, providing expert advice. Like the other sites, users can track their progress online. Cast members from current and past seasons of the show offer club-exclusive content and appear in video libraries of featured exercises.
References
- The Biggest Loser Club: How it Works
- Effect of Internet Support on the Long-term Maintenance of Weight Loss"; Harvey-Berino, et al.; 2004
- Weight Watchers: How Weight Watchers works - Meetings - eTools, the Internet companion
- FitClick: Calorie Counter, Diet Plans & Weight Loss Programs
- Shape Magazine: Virtual Trainer
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