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Frequent self‐weighing as part of a constellation of healthy weight control practices in young adults
Author(s) -
Wing Rena R.,
Tate Deborah,
LaRose Jessica Gokee,
Gorin Amy A.,
Erickson Karen,
Robichaud Erica Ferguson,
Perdue Letitia,
Bahnson Judy,
Espeland Mark A.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.21064
Subject(s) - dieting , weight gain , overweight , medicine , weight management , weight control , weight loss , obesity , body weight , body mass index , demography , gerontology , sociology
Objective Frequent self‐weighing is linked with weight management success, but concern has been raised about its possible association with unhealthy practices. This study examined the association of self‐weighing with other weight control behaviors in a sample for whom frequent weighing might be questioned—namely, normal‐weight or overweight (BMI of 21‐29.9) young adults (age 18‐35). Methods Participants ( N = 583; mean [SD] age = 27.7 [4.4]; BMI = 25.4 [2.6]) entering the Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention (SNAP) completed objective measures of weight and physical activity and self‐reported weight history, use of healthy and unhealthy weight control strategies, depressive symptoms, and dietary intake. Results Daily self‐weighing was reported by 11% of participants, and 23% weighed several times per week. Frequent weighing was not associated with current BMI, gender, or age but was associated with being further below one's highest weight, history of dieting, and perceived difficulty maintaining weight. Frequent weighing was associated with healthy weight management strategies, but not with unhealthy practices or depressive symptoms. Conclusions In this sample, frequent self‐weighing appears to be part of a constellation of healthy weight control behaviors used to counteract a perceived tendency toward weight gain. SNAP follow‐up will determine whether frequent self‐weighing helps prevent weight gain.