Online Weight Management

If losing weight is one of your New Year resolutions, you might be wondering how you will go about achieving your weight loss goal. A dietitian is a good place to start, particularly if you are seeking individualised advice. But if you feel that a more intensive program with meal and exercise plans would help you on your weight loss journey, an online weight loss program might be what you are after. DL dietitian and diabetes educator, Dr Kate Marsh, compares some of the current programs available and what they offer.

- Dr Kate Marsh

What’s on offer

We found several online programs to choose from, offering different types of eating plans, from calorie restricted to carbohydrate-controlled to intermittent fasting. They also offer a variety of tools to help you to lose weight and stay motivated including meal plans, recipes, exercise plans and instructional videos, progress trackers and community support.

What to look for

With a number of online weight loss programs to choose from, here are a few things to consider when deciding which program might best suit your needs:

Customisable eating plans. Are the meal plans the same for everyone doing the program or can they be customised to your food preferences and nutritional needs? For example, if you follow a gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan or vegetarian diet, do they offer these options?

Exercise plans and instruction to suit your fitness level and resources. Do they offer exercise programs for different fitness levels? If you are working out at home, do you need any special equipment? If you have a gym membership, do they provide exercises you can do in the gym?

Tracking your progress and keeping motivated. What kind of goal setting and tracking tools do they provide? If the program runs via an app, do you have a smartphone and do you like using phone apps?

Time commitment. How much time does the program take each week? Consider the time to watch videos, track your progress, shop for and cook meals and fit in the recommended exercise sessions.