Abstract
Several studies have analyzed the effects of weather on factors associated with weight loss. In this study, we directly analyzed the effect of weather on intentional weight loss using global-scale data provided by smartphone applications. Through Weather Underground API and the Noom Coach application, we extracted information on weather and body weight for each user located in each of several geographic areas on all login days. We identified meteorological information (pressure, precipitation, wind speed, dew point, and temperature) and self-monitored body weight data simultaneously. A linear mixed-effects model was performed analyzing 3274 subjects. Subjects in North America had higher initial BMIs than those of subjects in Eastern Asia. During the study period, most subjects who used the smartphone application experienced weight loss in a significant way (80.39%, p-value < 0.001). Subjects who infrequently recorded information about dinner had smaller variations than those of other subjects (βfreq.users dinner*time = 0.007, p-value < 0.001). Colder temperature, lower dew point, and higher values for wind speed and precipitation were significantly associated with weight loss. In conclusion, we found a direct and independent impact of meteorological conditions on intentional weight loss efforts on a global scale (not only on a local level).
Highlights
Several studies have analyzed the effects of weather on factors associated with weight loss
We identified meteorological information and self-monitored body weight data simultaneously
These studies are limited to some particular areas without considering the differences that exits between geographical areas
Summary
Several studies have analyzed the effects of weather on factors associated with weight loss. There are many studies that analyse as climatic factors can condition the lifestyle of people (such as physical activity)[5] that affects the body weight These studies do not keep in consideration a direct effect among weather and changing of body weight. Having a sample on global scale and, in particular, considering the distinct areas in the analysis of association between weather and weight variation is a good way to have a general idea of the climatic effect on the weight loss. This knowledge could be useful to define a specific diet for people located in distinct zones subjected to different climatic conditions. Since it is not easy to keep track of the weather for each individual day, we used the data of the Weather Underground API and the technology of the smartphone to collect the information on people who were registered with a weight-loss application
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