title: Impact of newer self-monitoring technology and brief phone-based intervention on weight loss: A randomized pilot study.
abstract: Despite the proliferation of newer self-monitoring technology (e.g., activity monitors and smartphone apps), their impact on weight loss outside of structured in-person behavioral intervention is unknown.
  
  
  
  A randomized, controlled pilot study was conducted to examine efficacy of self-monitoring technology, with and without phone-based intervention, on 6-month weight loss in adults with overweight and obesity. Eighty participants were randomized to receive standard self-monitoring tools (ST, n = 26), technology-based self-monitoring tools (TECH, n = 27), or technology-based tools combined with phone-based intervention (TECH + PHONE, n = 27). All participants attended one introductory weight loss session and completed assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.
  
  
  
  Weight loss from baseline to 6 months differed significantly between groups P = 0.042; there was a trend for TECH + PHONE (-6.4 ± 1.2 kg) to lose more weight than ST (-1.3 ± 1.2 kg); weight loss in TECH (-4.1 ± 1.4 kg) was between ST and TECH + PHONE. Fewer ST (15%) achieved ≥5% weight losses compared with TECH and TECH + PHONE (44%), P = 0.039. Adherence to self-monitoring caloric intake was higher in TECH + PHONE than TECH or ST, Ps < 0.05.
  
  
  
  These results suggest use of newer self-monitoring technology plus brief phone-based intervention improves adherence and weight loss compared with traditional self-monitoring tools. Further research should determine cost-effectiveness of adding phone-based intervention when providing self-monitoring technology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Weight Control & Diabetes Research Center, Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
authors.forename: Kathryn M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Weight Control & Diabetes Research Center, Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
authors.forename: Rena R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Wing
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D001835:Body Weight; D040421:Cell Phone; D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012107:Research Design; D057566:Self Report; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000379:methods*