title: Is self-weighing an effective tool for weight loss: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is a need to identify effective behavioural strategies for weight loss. Self-weighing may be one such strategy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine the effectiveness of self-weighing for weight loss.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials that included self-weighing as an isolated intervention or as a component within an intervention. We used sub groups to analyse differences in frequency of weighing instruction (daily and weekly) and also whether including accountability affected weight loss.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only one study examined self-weighing as a single strategy and there was no evidence it was effective (-0.5 kg 95 % CI -1.3 to 0.3). Four trials added self-weighing/self-regulation techniques to multi-component programmes and resulted in a significant difference of -1.7 kg (95 % CI -2.6 to -0.8). Fifteen trials comparing multi-component interventions including self-weighing compared with no intervention or minimal control resulted in a significant mean difference of -3.4 kg (95 % CI -4.2 to -2.6). There was no significant difference in the interventions with weekly or daily weighing. In trials which included accountability there was significantly greater weight loss (p = 0.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a lack of evidence of whether advising self-weighing without other intervention components is effective. Adding self-weighing to a behavioural weight loss programme may improve weight loss. Behavioural weight loss programmes that include self-weighing are more effective than minimal interventions. Accountability may improve the effectiveness of interventions that include self-weighing.
authors: School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. claire.madigan@sydney.edu.au.|The Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, The University of Sydney, Level 2 Charles Perkin Centre D17, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia. claire.madigan@sydney.edu.au.
authors: Claire D
authors: CD
authors: Madigan
authors: School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. a.daley@bham.ac.uk.
authors: Amanda J
authors: AJ
authors: Daley
authors: School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK. amanda.lewis@bristol.ac.uk.
authors: Amanda L
authors: AL
authors: Lewis
authors: Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK. paul.aveyard@phc.ox.ac.uk.
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Aveyard
authors: School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. c.b.jolly@bham.ac.uk.
authors: Kate
authors: K
authors: Jolly
mesh_terms: D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs