1. Implications
Facebook Participation During a Work-site Program
is Associated with Greater Weight Loss
Kasia Burton RD, Kristi Reimers PhD RD, Sheri Wells-Chesley MAM
ConAgra Foods, Inc. 5 ConAgra Drive, Omaha, NE 68102
ObjectiveAbstract
Objectives
Conclusions
References
Objectives
This study’s objective was to determine the association between
Facebook (FB) participation and weight loss in adults during a work-
site weight loss program.
Support systems have been shown to increase the success of
weight loss programs. Little is known, however, about the
effectiveness of social media- such as Facebook - to provide such a
support system. This study’s objective was to determine the
association between Facebook (FB) participation and weight loss in
adults during a work-site weight loss program.
A total of 316 employees (101 male, 215 female) enrolled in a four-
week work-site weight loss program based on portion control
including meal replacement with single-serving frozen meals.
Participants were invited to join a restricted, members-only FB
group on which a registered dietitian posted weight management
strategies at least four times per week. Participants reported for
weekly weight measurements. Overall, 239 participants finished the
program (73 male, 166 female). Of those, 202 did not participate on
Facebook (NFB). A self-selected group of 45 participants joined the
FB group, of whom 37 finished the program (9 male, 28 female).
After four weeks, FB participants experienced significantly greater
weight loss compared with NFB (-4.49 vs. -2.86 pounds,
respectively, p=0.037). The attrition rate of FB was 18%, slightly
lower than that of NFB, 25%.
As part of a work-site weight loss program, voluntary participation in
a FB support group was associated with greater weight loss,
suggesting that social media such as Facebook offers a potentially
effective way to create a support system within work-site programs.
These findings suggest that social media, for example, Facebook
offers a potentially effective way to create a support system within
work-site programs.
Supported by ConAgra Foods, Inc. Printed by
Weight loss of Facebook participants vs.
Non-Facebook participants
Pounds
Choose to Lose with ConAgra Foods is a four week work-site weight
loss program that incorporates replacing typical meals with frozen,
single-serving meals, such as, Healthy Choice®, Marie
Callender’s®, Banquet® and Kid Cuisine®. Participants mix and
match foods from a list of entrees, meals and snacks to achieve
1400 calories intake per day. During the program, Choose to Lose
with ConAgra Foods participants were invited to join a restricted,
members-only group on Facebook created to serve as a platform to
ask questions, share weight loss success stories and tips on portion
control, physical activity, recipes and motivation.
*FB vs. NFB p<0.05
1. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010
http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DGAs2010-PolicyDocument.htm
2. National Weight Control Registry www.nwcr.ws
3. Benedict MA, Arterburn D. Worksite-Based Weight Loss Programs: A
Systematic Review of Recent Literature. Am J Health Promot
2008;22(6):408-416.
References
Gender
Mean Weight
Loss
Standard
Deviation
N
Female -3.13 3.61 166
Male -6.26 5.74 73
Results
Objective
Facebook
Status
Gender
FB NFB Female Male
Number of Participants 45 271 215 101
Number who Finished 37 202 166 73
As part of work-site weight loss program including single-serving
frozen meals, voluntary participation in a Facebook support group
was associated with greater weight loss.
Facebook Status: FB=Facebook User, NFB=Non-Facebook User
Background
The high prevalence of overweight and obesity across the
population is of concern because of an increased risk of many health
problems (1).
Known strategies to successful weight loss include practicing portion
control, keeping a daily food journal, increasing physical activity and
having a support system. Work-site based weight loss programs
often include such strategies. Little is known, however, about the
efficacy of utilizing social media as part of the work-site based
weight loss program to provide a support system (2-3).
Results
*
Methods
n=202 n=37