Building engaging online weight loss communities using a communities of practice framework

Abstract

The rise of internet use and social media platforms has revolutionized how people can access health and weight loss information and how providers can promote programs to geographically dispersed populations through virtual networks. Sustained engagement in virtual programs contributes to whether members will successfully reach their health and weight loss goals, yet identifying how to support sustained engagement remains an elusive quest. This qualitative study examined members’ perspectives of the factors that contribute to their ongoing engagement in a social media (Facebook)-based weight loss program. We argue that sustained engagement of members is fostered through attention to supporting members’ progressively increasing participation in a community of practice (Lave and Wegner, 1991). Findings demonstrated that a supportive, non-judgemental online community that provides ready access to knowledge in multiple formats and supports interactions and situated learning with experts and more experienced members, first encourages legitimate peripheral participation, which grows to sustained engagement.