As obesity rates rise, new weight loss methods are needed. Little is known about the use of podcasting (audio files for a portable music player or computer) to promote weight loss, despite its growing popularity.

A 12-week randomized controlled trial.

Overweight men and women (body mass index, 25–40 kg/m²) (n=78) in the Raleigh–Durham, NC area.

In 2008, participants were randomly assigned to receive 24 episodes of a currently available weight loss podcast (control podcast) or a weight loss podcast based on social cognitive theory (SCT) designed by the researchers (enhanced podcast) for 12 weeks.

Weight was measured on a digital scale at baseline and follow-up. Both groups also completed questionnaires assessing demographic information, food intake, physical activity, and SCT constructs at the introductory and 12-week meetings. Additional questionnaires at the 12-week meeting assessed perceptions of the intervention.

Data collection and analysis occurred in 2008 and intention-to-treat was used. Enhanced group participants (n=41) had a greater decrease in weight (−2.9 ± 3.5 kg enhanced group vs −0.3 ± 2.1 control group; P < 0.001 between groups) and BMI (−1.0 ± 1.2 kg/m² enhanced group vs −0.1 ± 0.7 kg/m² control group; P < 0.001 between groups) than the control group (n=37) and had greater weight loss–related knowledge (P < 0.05), elaboration (P < 0.001), and user control (P < 0.001) and less cognitive load (P < 0.001).

The results of this study suggest that the use of behavioral, theory-based podcasting may be an effective way to promote weight loss.