Online nutrition counselling on weight loss

Peer-Reviewed / Manuscript (original contribution) received: 05.08.2019 / Revision accepted: 12.02.2020

Experiences of overweight and obese adults

Introduction

The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity presents a major challenge all over the world [1]. In Switzerland overweight (30.8% and obesity (10.3%) in adults is also widespread and effective measures for prevention and therapy are needed [2]. New technologies offer promising approaches for weight loss. Studies show that interventions with internet- based technologies improve eating habits and effectively support weight loss [3, 4].

Technological developments are also enabling dietitians to expand the range of counselling offered with mobile applications (apps) and thus innovatively support behavioural change [5–7]. In the field of psychotherapy Internet- based interventions and online counselling are already widespread [8]. Internationally and particularly in Switzerland online nutrition counselling for behavioural change is still rarely offered [6]. In the literature various reasons are given: the limited availability of data on the long-term effects of Internet-based interventions, limited competence with digital applications or low availability of high quality apps suitable for the counselling process [4, 6, 9].

A new healthcare service provider (Oviva AG, CH-8852 Altendorf) has developed technology to provide nutrition counselling for weight loss. In a one-year pre/post pilot study in German-speaking Switzerland the efficacy and feasibility of online nutrition counselling using the Oviva app for weight loss was investigated [9]. At the end of the intervention qualitative interviews were conducted with the study participants (overweight and obese adults) to record their experiences with online nutrition counselling and use of this app.

Abstract

New technologies offer promising approaches for weight loss. A newly-developed technology for online nutrition counselling enables counselling on weight loss via a mobile application. In a qualitative study 15 individual interviews were conducted with overweight and obese adults to investigate experiences with online nutrition counselling using this weight loss app. Data was evaluated using qualitative content analysis. The easy operation of the app facilitated integration of the online counselling into daily routines. The aspects especially appreciated were the regular contact with the dietitian, the timely feedback and the high level of flexibility. Limitations were seen in case of an increased need for discussion or in the case of complex topics. The further development of digital counselling competences can enable online nutrition counselling to be tailored even more specifically to the needs of patients.

Keywords: patient experience, online counselling, online nutrition counselling, overweight, mobile app

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