Efficacy of an online exercise program to improve weight management outcomes in individuals with obesity; A randomised trial.

Aims: To compare the efficacy of an online exercise programme with that of standard physical activity recommendations for weight management.

Methods: We conducted an unblinded randomised controlled trial involving individuals with obesity. The study group received dietary advice and participated in an online exercise programme, while the control group received dietary advice and exercise guidance via printed documents.

Results: Fifty-four participants completed the trial, with 27 in each group. The mean ages of the study and control groups were 34.11 ± 8.77 and 35.89 ± 10.61 years, respectively. The baseline body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass, and fat-free mass were not significantly different between the groups. After 12 weeks of intervention, the study group showed a significant reduction in body weight and fat mass from 106.54 ± 21.81 to 104.59 ± 21.24 kg (P=0.004) and 47.92 ± 14.14 to 46.32 ± 13.91 kg (P=0.005), respectively. The control group also showed a significant reduction in body weight, fat mass, and waist circumference from 103.31 ± 22.2 to 101.3 ± 22.36 kg (P= 0.015), 46.03 ± 16.31 to 41.76 ± 13.57 kg (P=0.04), and 113.42 ± 17.00 to 111.63 ± 17.29 cm (P= 0.033), respectively. However, no significant differences were observed in any of the parameters between the groups after 12 weeks of the intervention. The study group showed a higher rate of physical activity than the control group.

Conclusion: Online exercise programmes can promote weight reduction and engagement in physical activity among individuals with obesity.