Comparing Changes in Diet Quality Between Two Technology-Based Diet Tracking Devices

Abstract

This study aimed to examine changes in Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) scores, components, and energy intake between automated Bite Counter (Bite) and traditional diet tracking mobile app (App) groups. This was a secondary analysis of the DIET Mobile study, a 6-month weight loss intervention. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Twenty-four-hour dietary recall data were collected. Overweight/obese adults (N = 81) were randomized to Bite or App groups. The intervention was delivered through behavioral podcasts. Participants were provided customized calorie/bite goals and used their device to track intake. We assessed changes in HEI-2010 scores from baseline to 6 months between groups. t tests, chi-square, and repeated measures ANOVA were performed. Models included time, group, and group×time interaction, controlling for no other covariates. There were no significant changes in HEI-2010 scores, components, or energy intake between groups at 3 or 6 months. This study found that both the Bite and App groups were able to reduce their energy intake and there was no difference in changes in diet quality between groups, which provides some support for using the less intensive, more automated method (Bite Counter) for long-term dietary self-monitoring. The study had a low sample size according to power calculations. Future interventions aimed at improving diet quality through mHealth technology should investigate the potential to develop a new app or modify an existing app that would allow for dietary self-monitoring that provides specific feedback on how users’ diets align with diet quality components in the HEI to improve overall diet quality.