Frequency and Consistency of Self‐Weighing to Promote Weight‐Loss Maintenance

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the roles of frequency and consistency of self-weighing in promoting weight-loss maintenance. Methods: Participants were 74 adults who completed a 3-month internet-based weight-loss program followed by a 9-month nointervention maintenance period. Frequency of self-weighing was defined as the number of days that participants self-weighed during the maintenance period via a study-provided smart scale. Consistency was defined as the number of weeks that participants self-weighed at a certain frequency, with multiple minimum thresholds examined. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to assess associations among frequency, consistency, and weight change during the maintenance period. Results: Greater consistency was significantly associated with less weight regain when defined as the number of weeks that participants self-weighed on ≥6 d/wk or 7 d/wk (P values < 0.05). Contrary to hypotheses, frequency was not associated with weight change (P = 0.141), and there was not a significant interaction between frequency and consistency. Conclusions: Results demonstrate that consistency of self-weighing may be more important than total frequency for preventing weight regain after the end of a weight-loss program. Further, results suggest that a high level of consistency (self-weighing for ≥6 d/wk or 7 d/wk) may be necessary to promote successful weight-loss maintenance.

Frequency of Self-Weighing and Weight Change: Cohort Study With 10,000 Smart Scale Users

“…Other factors, such as long-term goals, motivation for self-weighing, and behavioral factors as well as diet and physical activity, may have stronger effects on weight loss efforts, although weight-loss–promoting practices are important. It has also been suggested that the consistency of self-weighing is more important than the frequency of self-weighing [ 31 ].…”

Examining Self-Weighing Behaviors and Associated Features and Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Binge-Eating Disorder and Obesity with and without Food Addiction

“…The second aim was to examine whether changes in weighing variables (i.e., self-weighing, reaction to weekly weighing, sensitivity to weight gain and shape/weight acceptance) following treatment were associated with treatment outcomes among those with and without food addiction following BWL treatment. Prior work examining self-weighing within adult samples with overweight highlight the significant benefits of consistent self-weighing on weight loss outcomes [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ], yet individuals with binge-eating or those with a history of eating disorders are often excluded from weight-loss studies. The present findings suggest that frequency of weighing was not significantly related to adverse treatment outcomes, including binge-eating, percent weight loss and eating-disorder psychopathology in a clinical sample of individuals with obesity and BED.…”

“…We are unaware of any studies that have prospectively examined changes in behaviors among individuals with and without food addiction during and after treatment. One key component of BWL includes self-monitoring of weight during treatment, and prior work suggests that more frequent or consistent self-weighing is associated with improved weight-loss outcomes [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Several prospective studies examining adults during weight-loss treatment found that greater frequency of self-weighing was not associated with adverse psychological outcomes such as binge-eating [ 22 ], depression [ 20 , 21 , 23 ] or other forms of disordered eating, such as compensatory strategies [ 20 , 22 ].…”

Accuracy of Smart Scales on Weight and Body Composition: Observational Study

“…Also, several studies report a greater weight loss in patients using smart scales than in patients self-reporting weight loss or being weighted only during visits [11,12]. Last, data exist on the importance of weight variability in final weight loss and weight maintenance [13][14][15]; using smart scales at home with automated data treatment could help health care professionals and patients in achieving and maintaining greater weight loss [16].…”