Why do patients choose to access weight loss services via telehealth?

Why do patients choose digital platforms for weight loss?

A recently published study in Telemedicine Reports has revealed some of the key reasons why Australians who are overweight or obese are increasingly seeking care through digital weight-loss services.

The study aimed to understand the motivations of patients with overweight and obesity for subscribing to Juniper’s digital weight loss service.

Results indicate that the most common reason for patients seeking treatment via the Juniper platform was their difficulty and dissatisfaction with accessing comprehensive weight-loss care through local GPs.

Over half of the participants (54.3%) were dissatisfied with the level of support provided by their local GP for weight-loss care

About the research

How was this data gathered?

The research team conducted structured phone interviews with 197 patients who had recently joined the Juniper program, but had not yet started their treatment. This timing ensured that participants' reasons for subscribing were uninfluenced by their experience with the service.

The interviews were conducted over a month and analysed to identify the main factors driving patients to choose a digital platform over traditional face-to-face options.

Understanding the results

The following key themes emerged from the study, shedding light on why patients with overweight and obesity are opting for digital weight loss services:

1. The first reason was previous difficulty that patients had experienced with accessing comprehensive weight-loss care through local GPs. Over half of the participants (54.3%) were dissatisfied with the level of support provided by their local GP.  Many felt that Juniper’s DWLS offered a more holistic approach to weight management, combining medical, dietary, and psychological support, and were encouraged to try it as a result.
2. The second reason that emerged was prior failure to achieve weight-loss goals through lifestyle interventions. A significant number of participants (43.7%) reported frustration with their inability to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
3. The third reason for participation was awareness of the brand. The impact of targeted marketing was evident, with 31% of participants citing advertising as a key factor in their decision to subscribe. Social media, television, and word of mouth were all influential channels, with 86.3% of these participants commenting that targeted ads on their social media had influenced them to try the DWLS.
4. The fourth reason found was participants’ comfort with using digital platforms. The convenience and perceived privacy of digital platforms appealed to 28.4% of participants, who preferred the flexibility of online consultations over in-person visits, which the vast majority (96.4%) found stigmatising or uncomfortable.
5. Finally, the ability to access support at any time without the need to schedule appointments was another significant factor, particularly for participants with demanding work or family commitments.

Significance of this study

The findings of this study help to provide a nuanced understanding of why Australians are increasingly turning to digital solutions for obesity care, with convenience, comprehensive support and the perceived privacy of telehealth being some of the strongest motivators.

This research further illuminates the important role comprehensive digital weight-loss services play in improving access to quality obesity treatment.

As digital weight loss platforms continue to grow in popularity, it is crucial for healthcare providers and policymakers to balance access to these services with a holistic and medically-backed program.