B-38 Free Communication/Poster - Physical Activity and Mental Health

Abstract

Technology-based interventions that rely on minimal contact with an interventionist have been shown to be effective for weight loss in obese adults. These technology systems that are used have evolved to include wearable monitors and web interfaces that provide feedback to patients on goal achievement for weight loss and key lifestyle factors that include diet and physical activity. PURPOSE: To examine the association between weight loss and patient engagement with technology components that includes an activity monitor and a web interface to self-report dietary intake and self-weighing. METHODS: 25 Class II and III obese adults (age: 40.0±9.4 years, BMI: 39.5±3.0 kg/m2) participated in a technology-based weight loss intervention. Diet was prescribed at 1500 – 2100 kcal/day and physical activity was prescribed to progress to 200 min/wk. The technology intervention included a wearable device to provide feedback on physical activity and energy expenditure, and a web interface to self-report weight and dietary intake. Weight was also measured objectively by the investigators at 0 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: 21 of the 25 subjects (84%) provided an objective measure of weight at both 0 and 12 weeks. These subjects significantly changed their body weight from baseline (110.8±12.4 kg) to 12 weeks (105.8±13.6 kg) (p<.001). Change in weight was significantly correlated with days per week of monitor wear (r=.559; p=.0047) and days per week of self-weighing (r=.559; p=.004), with days per week of self-reported dietary intake not significantly correlated (r=.165; p=.237). Step-wise linear regression indicated that monitor wear remained as a significant predictor of weight change (R2=.312, p=.008); however, days of self-reported dietary intake and days of reported self-weighing were not significant predicators of weight change. CONCLUSIONS: Within a technology-based intervention, encouraging the use of a monitor for physical activity and energy expenditure and self-report of weight appear to be associated with improved short-term weight loss in Class II and III obese adults. However, encouraging regular use of a monitor for physical activity and energy expenditure may be of particular importance for improving weight loss. These findings warrant replication in longer-term interventions of severely obese adults.