title: Randomized controlled pilot study testing use of smartphone technology for obesity treatment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The established interventions for weight loss are resource intensive which can create barriers for full participation and ultimate translation. The major goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of theoretically based behavioral interventions delivered by smartphone technology.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study randomized 68 obese adults to receive one of four interventions for six months: (1) intensive counseling intervention, (2) intensive counseling plus smartphone intervention, (3) a less intensive counseling plus smartphone intervention, and (4) smartphone intervention only. The outcome measures of weight, BMI, waist circumference, and self-reported dietary intake and physical activity were assessed at baseline and six months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sample was 78% female and 49% African American, with an average age of 45 years, and average BMI of 34.3 kg/m(2). There were trends for differences in weight loss among the four intervention groups. Participants in the intensive counseling plus self-monitoring smartphone group and less intensive counseling plus self-monitoring smartphone group tended to lose more weight than other groups (5.4 kg and 3.3 kg, resp.).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this pilot trial of a weight loss intervention provide preliminary support for using a smartphone application for self-monitoring as an adjunct to behavioral counseling.
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins University Schools of Nursing, Medicine and Public Health, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
authors.forename: Jerilyn K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins University Schools of Nursing, Medicine and Public Health, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
authors.forename: Janna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and Medicine, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
authors.forename: Cheryl R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Dennison Himmelfarb
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Nursing, 301 Building Suite 2422, 4940 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
authors.forename: Kerry J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.affiliation: Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1820 Lancaster Street Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hauck
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D040421:Cell Phone; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D057566:Self Report; D017216:Telemedicine; D055105:Waist Circumference; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000379:methods*