Scant data have been reported on the effects of weight self-monitoring during weight control. The purpose of this pilot project was to consider the questions: Is it possible to assign participants to engage in daily weight self-monitoring, and are there differential effects on mood of daily versus weekly weighing?
This study tested the feasibility of assigning participants to daily or weekly weighing, monitored adherence to weighing instructions, and tracked additional behavioral and psychosocial indicators over a period of six months. It was hypothesized that there would be no differences in mood or adherence between daily versus weekly weighing conditions. Knowledge about the benefits of frequent self-weighing may shape public health recommendations for regular weighing as a weight reduction or obesity prevention strategy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Weekly emails with nutrition, physical activity, and weight tracking tips sent for 24 weeks
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Adherence to Weight Tracking Instructions
Participants were assigned to daily or weekly weight tracking, and were asked to return postcards once a week with weights recorded (7 for daily, 1 for weekly).
Time frame: 6 months
Changes in Depression Ratings
Ratings of depressed mood, assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory, were obtained at baseline, three, and six months; the comparison of depression scores between groups and over time from baseline to 3 and 6 months was considered as a secondary outcome and analyzed using repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Scores on the inventory range from 0 to 63, with higher scores indicating greater presence of depressive symptoms. Scores from 0-10 represent normal mood; 11-16 = mild mood disturbance; 17-20 = borderline clinical depression; 21-30 = moderate depression; 31-40 = severe depression; \> 40 = extreme depression.
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
Changes in Anxiety
Ratings of anxiety, assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory, were assessed at baseline, three, and six months; a comparison of anxiety scores between groups and over time from baseline to 3 and 6 months was considered a secondary outcome and analyzed using repeated measures MANOVA. Possible scores on the scale range from 0-63. Scores from 0-7 indicate minimal anxiety; 8-15 = mild anxiety; 16-25 = moderate anxiety; 26-63 = severe anxiety.
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
Changes in Body Image
Changes in self-reported body image were assessed at baseline, three, and six months using the Appearance subscale of the Multidimensional Body Image Questionnaire. The subscale has a range of 0 to 42, with higher scores indicating better body image. A comparison of body image scores between groups and over time from baseline to 3 and 6 months was considered a secondary outcome and analyzed using repeated measures MANOVA.
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
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Changes in Barriers to Weight Tracking
Perceived barriers to self-weighing were assessed at baseline, three, and six months using a scale created for this study. The scale has a range of 18 to 90, with higher scores indicating greater perceptions of barriers to self-weighing. A comparison of barriers scores between groups and over time from baseline to 3 and 6 months was considered a secondary outcome and analyzed using repeated measures MANOVA.
Time frame: baseline to 6 months
Changes in Perceptions of Weight Tracking
Perceptions of weight tracking (ease of remembering and understanding, usefulness, awareness, interest, reward value, satisfaction, motivational value) were assessed at three and six months using a scale created for the study. The scale has a range of 0 to 64, with higher scores indicating greater perceptions of favorability of weight tracking. A comparison of perceptions scores between groups and over time from 3 and 6 months was considered a secondary outcome and analyzed using repeated measures MANOVA.
Time frame: three to six months