title: Text4Diet: a randomized controlled study using text messaging for weight loss behaviors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Text-messaging shows promise as a health intervention. This randomized controlled trial evaluated a daily text-messaging weight loss intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Overweight and obese adults (n=170) in California were randomized to receive daily interactive and personally weight-relevant text-messages or monthly e-newsletters. Participants were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Group differences were assessed in weight loss. Relation of text-messaging adherence to weight loss and change in pedometer steps was examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no group differences in weight loss over 6 (1.53 lb vs 3.72 lb) or 12 months (2.27 lb vs 3.64 lb; control vs intervention). Text-messaging adherence was moderately strong (60-69%). Participants with greater adherence lost more weight at 6 (p=.039) and 12 months (p=.023) than those who were less adherent. Intervention participants' steps increased almost 3000 steps/day over time (p<.05), and higher step counts were associated with greater weight loss (p<.05). Text-messaging satisfaction was moderate to high, and pedometer-related satisfaction was associated with greater weight loss (p<.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although text-messaging had no effect on weight, adherence was associated with improvement in weight-related behaviors and weight outcomes. Text-messages could be a useful adjunct to weight loss treatments.
authors.affiliation: Santech, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA. Jennifer@DrJenniferS.com
authors.forename: Jennifer R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Shapiro
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Koro
authors.forename: Neal
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Doran
authors.forename: Sheri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: James F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Sallis
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Calfas
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Patrick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002140:California; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D015444:Exercise; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009765:Obesity / Q000534:rehabilitation; D050177:Overweight / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D060145:Text Messaging; D015431:Weight Loss