Sixty Percent of Consumers Researching Weight Loss Use the Internet, Seeking Information on Weight Loss Programs, Diets and Medications

Sixty Percent of Consumers Researching Weight Loss Use the Internet, Seeking Information on Weight Loss Programs, Diets and Medications: "Sixty Percent of Consumers Researching Weight Loss Use the Internet, Seeking Information on Weight Loss Programs, Diets and Medications

comScore Pharmaceutical Solutions Study Finds 44 Percent Consider Online Information Influential in Remaining Compliant with Weight Loss Programs; 30 Percent Remain Compliant with Weight Loss Medications


RESTON, VA, September 14, 2006 – comScore Pharmaceutical Solutions today released an analysis of consumers’ use of the Internet as a resource for researching weight loss information. According to the study,
60 percent of weight loss researchers now utilize the Internet to find condition-specific information, including options for healthy eating/ nutrition, and details on specific weight loss programs and diets. Additionally, more than half (53 percent) report visiting a Web site specifically for information on weight loss drugs.

Nearly half (43 percent) of researchers reported a high level of satisfaction with online weight loss resources. Likely a result of consumer satisfaction, many weight loss Web sites are attracting large numbers of visitors. According to data from comScore Media Metrix, three of the most popular weight loss-related Web sites each drew more than 3 million unique visitors in July 2006: AOL Diet and Fitness (4.0 million), eDiets.com (3.2 million), and WeightWatchers.com (3.1 million).

Types of Weight Loss Information Preferred Online versus Offline
Not surprisingly, nearly all researchers (95 percent) also utilize more traditional offline resources when researching their condition. While general weight loss information is sought both online and offline, the stud"