Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria for the SHED-IT community trial

* were male;

* had a history of major medical problems such as heart disease or diabetes in the last five years that would prevent them from exercising;

* had a BMI between 25 and 40 (kg/m²);

* had orthopaedic or joint problems that would be a barrier to physical activity such as walking;

* agreed to not participate in other weight loss programs during the study;

* had recently lost 5% or more of their body weight;

* passed a health-screening questionnaire and a pre-exercise risk assessment [28];

* were taking medications that are affected by weight loss or had resulted in weight gain or loss in the last 3 months;

* were available for assessment sessions;

* were currently participating in an alternative weight loss program.

* had access to a computer with e-mail and Internet facilities;

* owned a mobile phone.