Saudi Journal of Medicine (SJM)
Volume-4 | Issue-12 | 766-773
Original Research Article
Impact of a Healthy Program on Weight Reduction using Social Media: A Voluntary Community-oriented Campaign through a Multidisciplinary Approach
Dr. Kawthar AlEid, Ms. Areej Alsaad, Dr. AbdulAziz Aljawder, Dr. Adel Salman Al Sayyad, Ms.Layla Almadani
Published : Dec. 26, 2019
Abstract
Aim: To assess the effects of a voluntary, community-oriented campaign using social media through a multidisciplinary approach on body weight. Setting and Design: A survey, community-oriented using popular social media accounts. Methods: 268 followers from the community participated in the study using a questionnaire, which was constructed by a study group and self-filled online using google drive. Results: A total of 268 followers participated in the study. A healthy program had been applied by 43.3% of the survey respondents, consisting of a unified healthy diet and mild-moderate intensity exercises for less than a year, while only 13.1% applied it for more than a year. Almost half the survey respondents (48.5%) followed the campaign for less than one year, and 41.8% for more than one year. There were changes in diet and nutritional habits on the followers, after following/applying the healthy program. Their habit of practicing physical activities was improved. The voluntary community campaign raised awareness among participants and produced positive psychological eating behavioral changes. Conclusion: There was a significant difference in weight reduction after following the healthy program for more than one year and to a lesser extent for those who followed it for less than one year.