Varying social media post types differentially impacts engagement in a behavioral weight loss intervention

• DOI: 10.1007/s13142-014-0274-z
• Publication Date: 2014-08-05T15:26:53Z
• Authors: Sarah B. Hales; Charis Davidson; Gabrielle M. Turn...
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering; 02 engineering and technology

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