Directive and nondirective e-coach support for weight loss in overweight adults.

Background: Although e-coach support increases the effectiveness of Internet weight loss interventions, no studies have assessed influence of type of e-coach support.

Objective: The effects of nondirective (collaborative, flexible) and directive (prescriptive, protocol driven) e-coach support on weight loss, dietary behavior, physical activity, and engagement were assessed in a 12-week weight loss e-coaching program.

Methods: Overweight adults (N = 104) were randomly assigned to nondirective, directive, or minimal support. All received weekly lessons and feedback graphs via e-mail. Participants in the nondirective and directive support conditions received individualized nondirective or directive weight loss support.

Results: For females, weight loss (η(2) = 0.10) and changes in waist circumference (η(2) = 0.07) were greater in the directive than in the nondirective and minimal support conditions.

Conclusions: Differences in type of e-coach support are salient to participants. Directive support is beneficial to females in a 12-week e-coach weight loss program.