Table 1.

Comparison of features of the basic and enhanced commercial Web-based weight loss programs.

	Basic and enhanced	Enhanced only
Self-monitoring tools	Online food and exercise diary to monitor energy intake and energy expenditure: participants were encouraged to self-monitor their dietary intake and exercise using an online diary at least 4 days per week. Participants recorded the type and amount of food or exercise by searching a database for the most appropriate item, selecting the appropriate measurement unit, and entering the amount. Participants recorded weight (weigh-in) as well as other body measurements (waist and hip girths) via website or text message, and were encouraged to record at least once per week.	No additional features were available.
Tools to enhance self-monitoring: feedback	Online food and exercise diary: Automated calculations of energy intake, energy expenditure, and energy balance were provided on the online diary page. Automated nutrition summaries were available via link on online diary page. Reported intake was compared with recommended nutrient targets for key nutrients: energy, total fats, saturated fat, protein, carbohydrate, sugars, fiber, sodium, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, iodine, selenium, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, A, C, and folate (if entries made in online diary). Weigh-ins: entered weight data (and other measurements) were tracked and displayed graphically and in a body (body mass index) silhouette to demonstrate change over time.	A weekly automated individualized feedback report based on online food and exercise diary entries was provided via the website for the previous week. Feedback for key elements of diet and exercise (ie, weekly summary of energy intake and expenditure, saturated fat, fruit and vegetable intakes, frequency and intensity of physical activity, and time spent being active compared with national recommendations), usage patterns of the website (ie, cumulative average website visits, diary entries, and forum posts), and level of success with weight loss (ie, weight loss to date) was provided. The feedback used a color-coded traffic light system (green, amber, red) to indicate whether a participant was meeting recommendations (green), moving in the right direction (amber), or not meeting recommendations (red).
Tools to enhance self-monitoring: reminders	Participants were encouraged to weigh-in via once-weekly email or short message service text messaging reminders to enter weight on the website on the due date.	Weekly reminders to further motivate participants to log in to the website, weigh in, and use the online food and exercise diary were sent. The reminders escalated with urgency, starting with an initial reminder email, then a text message, and lastly a phone call if participants did not engage with the program. Reminders commenced when weigh-in was 2 days overdue or if no site visits were made in 3 days or site visits but no diary entries were made in 4 days.
Other tools	Participants set a weight loss goal and were assigned individualized daily calorie targets to facilitate a 0.5–1 kg weight loss per week (~2600 kJ less than their estimated energy requirements). Online education in the form of weekly tutorials, fact sheets, meal and exercise plans, and weekly challenges were provided. Access to weekly low-fat menu plan and grocery lists designed to meet nutrient reference values and assigned calorie target was available. Social support was available via online discussion forums.	An individualized weekly automated enrollment report based on responses to the enrollment survey was sent. It included an assessment of current weight and suggestions for appropriate weight loss goals; an energy balance assessment and recommended calorie target; an assessment of eating habits and behaviors, including saturated fat and fiber intake, daily servings of fruits and vegetables, high-risk eating behaviors (eg, skipping meals, not eating breakfast, drinking soft drinks), and nonhungry eating triggers; and weight loss motivation assessment.