Comparison of efficacy between face-to-face and online consultation against overweight and obesity

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and obesity have progressively increased in recent years. Online consultation has become a useful tool for healthcare professionals and patients that cannot be assisted through face-to-face consultation. Objectives: Our study aimed to compare the efficacy between online and face-to-face consultation as a strategy in the management of overweight and obesity. Material and Methods: An experimental, cross-sectional study was carried out in 88 patients between 25-30 years old. Patients were classified into two groups of 44 individuals: online and face-to-face consultation.  Nutritional evaluations were conducted in each consultation, which comprised of anthropometric, dietetic, and physical assessments. The therapy consisted of individually designed menus made by a specialist and other recommendations based on the World Health Association (WHO) guidelines.  Results: Most patients in both groups achieved normal anthropometric measurements after the intervention (41/44 face-to-face group; 39/44 online group). Intragroup analysis (before and after intervention) of body mass index (BMI), weight, and fat percentage in both groups revealed a significant improvement after the intervention (p<0.0001). Intergroup analysis of BMI (p<0.4031), weight (p<0.2265), and fat percentage (p<0.3872) showed no significant difference. The analysis of efficacy revealed an efficacy of up to 95% in the online consultation group when compared to the face-to-face consultation one. Conclusions: No significant difference was found between online and face-to-face groups. The efficacy of online consultation was 95%. These results allow us to conclude that online and face-to-face consultation have a similar efficacy.