UNMC Grants – A potential weight loss tool for rural women

A College of Nursing study will evaluate the effectiveness of Internet-based weight loss interventions for women in rural or lightly-populated areas.

Learn more For more information, contact Maureen Oberdorfer at 402-559-1992 or moberdorfer@unmc.edu.

The research team will evaluate three interventions to determine which is the most effective and cost efficient:

• An interactive website;
  
• A peer-led discussion group; or
  
• email counseling.

The study — which is led by Carol Pullen, Ed.D., professor in the College of Nursing — is designed to help women work toward lifestyle change at home via the Internet rather than in organized groups.

The five-year, $3.2 million study is funded by a grant from National Institute of Nursing Research and is being conducted in Columbus and 12 counties in the surrounding area.

The research team includes a variety of health disciplines, including Patricia Hageman, Ph.D., professor in physical therapy education in the UNMC School of Allied Health Professions.