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For people who have lost weight, getting support online may help keep those pounds from returning. Hi, I'm Dr. Cindy Haines, host of HealthDay TV. In a new study from the Journal of Medical Internet Research, a team of researchers looked at participants in a weight-loss study who lost roughly 9 pounds or more during a five-month program. Nearly 350 were assigned to take part in an online weight maintenance program for 30 months. The website allowed them to track their weight, eating and exercise habits, and weight-loss goals. The site also provided a bulletin board where they could discuss issues with other participants. The people who used the website more regularly were more successful at keeping their weight off over the long-term. Factors that were associated with less weight gain included the number of times they logged in and their number of minutes on the website. According to the researchers, Internet programs like this may help hold people accountable for maintaining their weight loss, as well as provide helpful feedback. Both of these may necessary for keeping weight from returning. IÕm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that doctors are reading; health news that matters to you.
