About the Internet Diet Study

The Internet Diet Study was conducted at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, with overweight individuals who had elevated blood glucose, and may or may not have had elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This study had two purposes.

Compare a high-protein, high-monounsaturated fat diet to the American Heart Association Step I Diet with respect to changes in blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and satiety.

Evaluate an innovative Internet-based system for interactively managing individuals on diets designed to lower body weight, blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

Study participants had password-protected websites with a message center, weight chart, daily entries, and diet resources: similar to those in this website. Their diet and the website were explained to them individually by a dietitian. Participants were required to logon to their website at least 5 days a week. A dietitian had daily contact with them via the website.

For both groups combined (after 6 weeks) the mean weight loss was 11 lbs., LDL cholesterol decreased 12%, triglycerides decreased 21%, glucose decreased 13%, and insulin decreased 26%. Subjects rated the Internet Dietary Management System as very motivating (70% of subjects), very personalized (74%), and very convenient (91%).

These positive changes in weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, and glucose indicate that the interactive website is feasible for treating obesity, elevated glucose, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, and may significantly improve coronary heart disease risk profile.

Participants enjoyed the study because it was very convenient--they could logon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Some participants felt that they could be more open and honest and ask for the support they needed via the website. They also found the weight loss and lab tests motivating. Check out some of their personal Success Stories.