It’s a modern-day approach to an old-fashioned problem: using a podcast to lose weight. And researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill say these high-tech advice dispensers can be effective, if they contain the proper information and present it in the right way.

According to Reuters, study participants who listened to "enhanced" podcasts lost an average of six pounds over a 12-week period.

Individuals who listened to a podcast that only offered weight loss and positive-thinking advice lost an average of less than a pound.

The enhanced podcasts contained diet, exercise and weight loss tips. They also encouraged subjects to set personal goals and offered healthy eating and exercise information in an entertaining manner.

In addition to weight loss, the people who listened to the enhanced podcasts also ate more fruits and vegetables, exercised more and retained weight loss knowledge, compared to those who listened to the positive-thinking version.

Experts say motivation is among one of the most important obstacles to overcome when embarking on a weight loss program. The study appearing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests podcasts can help individuals clear that hurdle.