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 = 0.042; there was a trend for TECH + PHONE (-6.4 ± 1.2 kg) to lose more weight than ST (-1.3 ± 1.2 kg); weight loss in TECH (-4.1 ± 1.4 kg) was between ST and TECH + PHONE. Fewer ST (15%) achieved ≥5% weight losses compared with TECH and TECH + PHONE (44%), P = 0.039. Adherence to self-monitoring caloric intake was higher in TECH + PHONE than TECH or ST, Ps < 0.05.

Conclusions: These results suggest use of newer self-monitoring technology plus brief phone-based intervention improves adherence and weight loss compared with traditional self-monitoring tools. Further research should determine cost-effectiveness of adding phone-based intervention when providing self-monitoring technology.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01999244.

Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The authors report no conflict of interest.

© 2016 The Obesity Society.

Figures

Figure 1

Participant flow through enrollment, randomization, and follow-up.

Figure 2

Change in weight (kg, mean [SE]) by intervention group, from baseline to Month 6.

Figure 3

Distribution of weight losses in ST, TECH, and TECH+PHONE groups.