Can a series of emails reminding recipients to increase physical activity and improve diet be effective? One study says yes. Researchers at Kaiser Permanente, a large California-based insurer, tested a 16-week program on over 700 adult participants. Study subjects received individually tailored, small-step goals via email and had access to educational materials; a personal homepage with tips; and tracking and simulation tools. At the end of the 16 weeks, those in the intervention group had added, on average, a half-hour of physical activity and 20 minutes of walking per week. They also ate fewer fats and more fruits and vegetables.
Even four months after the program ended, those who had participated still showed improvements. Results of the study were published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
