Improved Appetite Ratings with Addition of Self-monitoring Wearable Device to an 8-week Weight Loss Intervention Focused on Reducing Eating Rate (P16-005-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesSubjective hunger, satiety, and appetite impact energy intake, so interventions addressing these are needed for weight management. This study examined effects on hunger, satiety, and appetite ratings when adding a self-monitoring wearable device to an 8-week weight loss intervention focused on reducing eating rate and dietary energy density, while increasing energy expenditure. The wrist-worn Eat Less Move More (ELMM) device tracks eating rate in seconds between bites, by time stamp and detection of wrist-roll motion, and tracks bites and steps taken. MethodsSeventy-two adults with overweight or obesity (age, 37.7 ± 15.3 years; BMI, 31.3 ± 3.2 kg/m2) were randomized into two groups: intervention workbook only, or intervention workbook plus device. Before and after the intervention, participants consumed a standardized laboratory test meal after an overnight fast, and rated their hunger, satiety, desire to eat, and thirst on Visual Analog Scales (VAS) pre- and post-meal, 20 minutes post-meal, and 60 minutes post-meal initiation. ResultsA 2 × 2 repeated measures MANOVA with fasting VAS ratings showed a significant time by group interaction (Wilks’ lambda = 0.81, F4,66 = 4.00, P = 0.007, partial eta squared = 0.19). Follow-up analyses showed a significant time by group effect for hunger (F1,69 = 9.56, P = 0.003, partial eta squared = 0.12), satiety (F1,69 = 5.23, P = 0.025, partial eta squared = 0.07), and desire to eat (F1,69 = 5.73, P = 0.02, partial eta squared = 0.08), but not for thirst. Post-meal analyses showed a significant group difference when controlling for total amount consumed (grams) and eating rate (grams/minute) (Wilks’ lambda = 0.75, F4,64 = 5.24, P = 0.001, partial eta squared = 0.25). Follow-up post-meal analyses showed a significant group effect for satiety (F1,67 = 7.02, P = 0.01, partial eta squared = 0.10), but not for hunger, desire to eat or thirst. Thus, participants who had used the self-monitoring device reported reduced pre-meal hunger, increased satiety, and reduced desire to eat, as well as increased post-meal satiety, when compared to those who had not used the device. ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that the addition of a self-monitoring device to a weight loss intervention focused on reducing eating rate, decreasing energy density, and increasing energy expenditure may be beneficial. Funding SourcesThe Obesity Society.