Impact of newer self‐monitoring technology and brief phone‐based intervention on weight loss: A randomized pilot study

Abstract

Objective Despite the proliferation of newer self-monitoring technology (e.g., activity monitors and smartphone apps), their impact on weight loss outside of structured in-person behavioral intervention is unknown. Methods A randomized, controlled pilot study was conducted to examine efficacy of self-monitoring technology, with and without phone-based intervention, on 6-month weight loss in adults with overweight and obesity. Eighty participants were randomized to receive standard self-monitoring tools (ST, n=26), technology-based self-monitoring tools (TECH, n=27), or technology-based tools combined with phone-based intervention (TECH+PHONE, n=27). All participants attended one introductory weight loss session and completed assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Results Weight loss from baseline to 6 months differed significantly between groups p=.042; there was a trend for TECH+PHONE (−6.4±1.2kg) to lose more weight than ST (−1.3±1.2kg); weight loss in TECH (−4.1±1.4kg) was between ST and TECH+PHONE. Fewer ST (15%) achieved ≥5% weight losses compared to TECH and TECH+PHONE (44%), p=.039. Adherence to self-monitoring caloric intake was higher in TECH+PHONE than TECH or ST, ps<.05. Conclusion These results suggest use of newer self-monitoring technology plus brief phone-based intervention improves adherence and weight loss compared to traditional self-monitoring tools. Further research should determine cost-effectiveness of adding phone-based intervention when providing self-monitoring technology.

Accuracy of Self‐Report Versus Objective Smart‐Scale Weights During a 12‐Week Weight Management Intervention

“…Results demonstrated excellent agreement between weights measured via the smart scale and those self‐reported on the study website, and there was no evidence of systematic under‐ or overreporting of weights by participant weight. In addition, replicating results reported in previous studies , greater self‐weighing frequency, as assessed by either method, was associated with greater weight loss during the course of the 12‐week intervention. There was minimal benefit (in terms of increasing variance of weight change explained) of including both measurement methods in the same model.…”

“…More recently, the development of “smart” scales, which directly transmit weight data via telephone or cellular networks or wireless Internet, has allowed researchers to collect objective data. Existing studies using these scales have replicated the association between higher frequencies of self‐weighing and improved weight loss outcomes during intervention .…”

Validation of the Stanford Leisure‐Time Activity Categorical Item (L‐Cat) using armband activity monitor data

“…Original pilot trial details, including study recruitment and participant flow, are described elsewhere 15.…”

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Current Paths in the Management of Obesity

“…Nowadays, digital health represents a key dimension of healthcare [25]. These new technologies include websites, smartphone applications (apps), and smart scales allowing individuals to view and monitor their weight, caloric intake, and physical activity [26]. New technologies ensure a lot of advantages on treatment, allowing individuals setting own goals, comparing their self-monitoring data, and reinforcing the process of reaching short-and long-term goals.…”

“…New technologies ensure a lot of advantages on treatment, allowing individuals setting own goals, comparing their self-monitoring data, and reinforcing the process of reaching short-and long-term goals. Ross and Wing [26] designed a study that aimed to investigate the impact of newer self-monitoring technology (compared to traditional self-monitoring tools), provided with and without a brief phone-based intervention, on weight loss in adults with overweight and obesity. As supposed by the authors, findings suggest that newer self-monitoring technology combined with a brief phone-based intervention can improve adherence to self-monitoring and lead to greater weight losses than traditional interventions.…”