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Frequent Self‐Weighing with Electronic Graphic Feedback to Prevent Age‐Related Weight Gain in Young Adults
Author(s) -
Bertz Fredrik,
Pacanowski Carly R.,
Levitsky David 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.21211
Subject(s) - overweight , weight gain , medicine , body mass index , obesity , weight loss , randomized controlled trial , body weight , caloric intake , physical therapy
Objective An intervention using Wi‐Fi scales and graphic e‐mail feedback, the caloric titration method (CTM), to reduce age‐related weight gain over 1 year among college students was evaluated. Methods First‐year college students ( n = 167) were randomized to CTM or control (C) groups and provided Wi‐Fi scales. The CTM group was instructed to weigh daily, view a weight graph e‐mailed to them after weighing, and try to maintain their weight. The C group could weigh at any time but did not receive feedback. At 6 months and 1 year, the C group provided weights. For intention to treat analysis, an adjusted mixed model was used to analyze the effect of the intervention. Results Baseline body mass index was 22.9 ± 3.0 kg/m 2 . Ninety‐five percent of the CTM participants weighed ≥3 times/week, compared to 15% in the C group ( P < 0.001). After 1 year, the C group had gained 1.1 ± 4.4 kg whereas the CTM group lost 0.5 ± 3.7 kg ( F = 3.39, P = 0.035). The difference in weight change between the two groups at 1 year was significant ( P = 0.004). Retention was 81%. Conclusions CTM intervention was effective in preventing age‐related weight gain in young adults over 1 year and thus offers promise to reduce overweight and obesity.