What type of engagement predicts success in a Facebook weight loss group?

Abstract

Studies of social media-delivered behavioral interventions generally reveal that greater engagement is associated with better outcomes. Little is known about whether the type of engagement, volume of content posted, or timing of engagement matters. In the present study, we analyzed whether the content, volume, and timing of participant posts in a Facebook weight loss intervention were associated with weight loss. Findings revealed that reporting a healthy choice, reporting a challenge, and acknowledging other’s posts were the most common types of post. Frequency and volume of posts that reported a healthy choice, asked for help, made a plan, responded to weigh ins, acknowledged others, or expressed negative sentiment predicted weight loss, but those that reported a challenge, shared information, expressed support or said something irrelevant did not. Engagement declined by 50% in the second half of the intervention. Recommendations are made for future research.