| Boston University School of Medicine and Boston | | | | For the entire study group the internet-based |
| University School of Public Health researchers | | | | program was not linked to lower healthcare costs. |
| have evaluated the impact of an employee | | | | However, the sub-group cardiovascular group |
| sponsored diet and exercise program. The | | | | showed an average savings of $827 for the |
| program was an internet based diet and exercise | | | | study year. The individuals in this group lost |
| program and was found to be effective at | | | | weight, lowered blood pressure, and had improved |
| lowering healthcare costs in high-risk employees, | | | | eating habits. |
| specifically those with cardiac risk factors. The | | | | Researchers also reported the more times a |
| findings of this study have been released in the | | | | participant at high cardiac risk visited the program |
| Journal of Medical Internet Research. | | | | website healthcare costs decreased. Each |
| Study researchers looked at whether or not an | | | | additional visit to the website was associated with |
| internet-based program impacted healthcare costs. | | | | a $55 savings in healthcare costs. |
| Participants and their spouses were analyzed for | | | | Health insurance premiums have drastically risen |
| 12 months prior to the program and analysis | | | | over the past 10 years, placing an increased |
| continued through the 12 month program launch. | | | | burden on employer sponsored health insurance |
| How often the program website was accessed | | | | programs as well as employees. Providing a low |
| was factored into the study results. The study | | | | cost internet-based nutrition and exercise behavior |
| also focused on a subgroup of 735 individuals at | | | | modification program is one way to counteract |
| high cardiac risk (high blood pressure and high | | | | the rising costs. |
| cholesterol levels). | | | | |