Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the internet based coaching program for obesity management on weight control related knowledge, self-efficacy, eating habits, physical activity and obesity related physiological indexes in hypertensive patients.
METHODS
The study design was non-equivalent control group pre-test-post-test design. A total of 43 subjects were overweight or obese hypertensive patients aged 30 or older, who were divided into experimental group (n=23) and control group (n=20). This program lasting 12 weeks consisted of a weight control related education, internet based individual coaching for diet, exercise and behavior modification, offering internet community and health counseling. The variables were measured three times (before the treatment, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks) and the collected data were analyzed by SPSS/WIN 17.0 program.
RESULTS
The experimental group had significantly improved weight control related knowledge, self efficacy, eating habits, body composition, and systolic blood pressure with time.
CONCLUSION
The internet based coaching program was effective in improving obesity management, also this program will help to prevent cardiovascular disease of obese hypertensive patients.