Effects Of Adding A Technology-based System To An In-Person Behavioral Weight Loss Program

Abstract

With the intention of improving weight outcomes, more behavioral weight loss interventions have added the use of technology. The commercially available GoWear Fit® System (BodyMedia Inc.) includes a multi-sensor armband and display to measure and provide real-time feedback on energy expenditure, and a website to monitor energy intake and daily energy balance. PURPOSE: To examine the influence of adding the GoWear Fit® System to an in-person behavioral program on weight loss in overweight and obese adults. METHODS: Thirty-four overweight and obese (BMI: 33.8 ± 3.6 kg·m-2) adults (age: 43.6 ± 9.2 kg·m-2) participated in a behavioral weight loss intervention and were randomized to one of two groups: standard behavioral weight loss (SBWL) or standard behavioral weight loss plus technology (SBWL+GoWearFit). Energy intake was reduced to 1200-1800 kcal/day based on baseline weight. Exercise was progressed from 100 to 150 min/week. Body weight was measured at 0 and 6 weeks. RESULTS: At 6 weeks, percent weight loss was -2.9±2.2% in SBWL+GoWearFit and -1.5±2.0% in SBWL (p =.07). In SBWL+GoWearFit, the multisensory armband was worn for 16.9±4.7 hours per day. SBWL+GoWearFit logged meals online significantly more days per week (6.5±1.3 days/week) than SBWL tracked meals in paper diaries (5.1±2.8 days/ week) (p <.001). SBWL+GoWearFit also reported more days per week of moderate intensity physical activity of at least 10 minutes per bout (5.1±2.1 days/week) than SBWL (3.2±2.3 days/week) (p <.001). CONCLUSION: The trend for percent weight loss to improve over the initial 6 weeks of a behavioral weight loss program with the addition of the GoWear Fit® System is a promising finding. Moreover, it appears that individuals are willing to wear the multi-sensor armband and use the website provided with the GoWear Fit® System, and this appears to have promising effects on exercise participation and self-monitoring of eating behaviors when compared to the SBWL group during this 6 week period. Long-term evaluation of the GoWear Fit® System is necessary to determine feasibility and effectiveness of this system to improve weight loss in overweight and obese adults. Supported by the University of Pittsburgh Obesity and Nutrition Research Center (NIH P30 DK46204)