Weight loss social support in 140 characters or less: use of an online social network in a remotely delivered weight loss intervention

Little is known about how online social networking can help enhance weight loss. To examine the types of online social support utilized in a behavioral weight loss intervention and relationship of posting and weight loss. A sub-analysis of the content and number of posts to Twitter among participants (n=47) randomized to a mobile, social network arm as part of a 6-month trial among overweight adults, examining weight loss, use of Twitter, and type of social support (informational, tangible assistance, esteem, network, and emotional support). A number of Twitter posts were related to % weight loss at 6months (p<0.001). Initial reported weight loss predicted engagement with Twitter (p<0.01) but prior Twitter use or initial Twitter engagement did not. Most Twitter posts (total posts n=2,630) were Informational support (n=1,981; 75 %), with the predominant subtype of Teaching (n=1,632; 62 %), mainly in the form of a status update (n=1,319). Engagement with Twitter was related to weight loss and participants mainly used Twitter to provide Information support to one another through status updates.