Varying social media post types differentially impacts engagement in a behavioral weight loss intervention. Issue 4 (6th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hales, Sarah B.; Davidson, Charis; Turner-McGrievy, Gabrielle M.
• Is Part Of: Translational behavioral medicine. Volume 4:Issue 4(2014)
• Page Start: 355
• Page End: 362
• Publication Date: 2014-08-06
• Subjects: Social support -- Weight loss -- mHealth -- Social media -- eHealth; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; 616.0019
• DOI: 10.1007/s13142-014-0274-z
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1869-6716

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine whether different types of posts differentially affect participant engagement and if engagement with social media enhances weight loss. Data are a subanalysis from a randomized weight loss study with a 4-month follow-up support period via private Facebook groups and monthly meetings. Counselors posted five different post types/week based on social cognitive theory (weight-related, recipes, nutrition information, poll votes, or requests for suggestions). Types of participant engagement (likes, comments/poll votes, and views) were assessed. Poll votes were the most engaging (mean number of votes or comments/poll 14.6 ± 3.4, P < 0.01) followed by suggestions (9.1 ± 2.7 posts, P < 0.01) and weight-related posts (7.4 ± 3.1 posts, P < 0.01). Engagement with Facebook was significantly associated with weight loss during the 4-month maintenance period ( B = −0.09, P = 0.04). The findings provide evidence for ways to provide social support during weight loss interventions using remote methodology.