POWER

Obesity is a growing major threat to public health, but there is limited evidence for interventions that could easily be applied, with relatively little training, in primary care, where most obesity is managed. The internet could potentially provide and ideal way to give patients interactive advice based on their personal situation and progress, with the support of a nurse to oversee, encourage, advise patients as necessary. The POWER Pilot study has developed an obesity management website to support both practice nurses and obese patients in weight loss and weight management. POWER 2, a randomised trial, will assess the effect of this website intervention by randomising patients into one of 3 groups: 1) web intervention with minimal nurse support (face to face contact only at weighing, at 6 and 12 months; 2) web intervention with nurse support i.e. face to face consultations at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months, in addition to weighing at 6 and 12 months; 3) control group (normal care) brief structured advice and follow up for weighing. 660 patients will be recruited from practices around two centres: Southampton and Oxford. The primary outcome will be weight, which will be measured at appointments with the practice nurse at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. Other important outcomes to be measured will be: food and drink consumption; physical activity; waist measurement; blood pressure, serum measurements; patient satisfaction; psychological status; and adherence.