Abstract
This study examined whether different methods of self-monitoring eating and exercise
behaviors affect the process of self-monitoring and change in body weight in overweight
adults. Forty-two subjects participated in a 16-week correspondence-based weight-loss
intervention using a pretest–posttest randomized design. Dietary intake was prescribed
at 1,200 to 1,500 kcal/day and <30% dietary fat. Physical activity was progressed
to 200 minutes/week. Participants were randomly assigned to self-monitoring eating
and physical activity behaviors using a traditional detailed method or transitioning
to an abbreviated method. Transitioning to an abbreviated method returned significantly
more diaries than using a traditional detailed method (P=0.04). Participants completing the study showed no significant difference in weight
loss between the traditional detailed method (−7.5±5.3 kg) and the abbreviated method
(−7.6±5.5 kg), with similar results for intention-to-treat analysis (detailed method
−3.9±5.3 kg vs abbreviated method −4.3±5.8 kg). Weight loss was significantly associated
with number of self-monitoring diaries completed (r=0.53, P<0.05). Findings suggest the self-monitoring process, rather than the detail of self-monitoring,
is important for facilitating weight loss and change in eating and physical activity
behaviors. Transitioning to a simplified approach to self-monitoring does not negatively
affect short-term weight loss in overweight adults. These results may have implications
for improving self-monitoring in overweight adults during periods of weight loss.
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Biography
D. L. Helsel is an assistant professor, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, J. M. Jakicic is chair, Department of Health and Physical Activity, and director, Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center, and A. D. Otto is a research assistant professor, Department of Health and Physical Activity, and assistant director, Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
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© 2007 American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
