Self-monitoring of Exercise Mediates Weight Loss In a Medically Managed Weight Loss Program

Abstract

This retrospective data anlaysis examined if adherence to internet self monitoring of exercise affects weight loss across different weight loss treatments within a clinical weight loss program. METHODS: The study population was taken from the Henry Ford Hospital Weight Management program database. 82 patients (84% female) who participated in the program between June 2004 and June 2006 self selected one of three dietary programs: 1) low caloric (LC)=regular foods for a 500-1000 daily caloric deficit, 2) Complete meal replacement (CMR)=600-800 Kcals per day of protein-based supplement, 3) Partial meal replacement (PMR)=combination of food and protein-based supplement at 1000-1200 Kcals per day. A combination of short in person counseling meetings and internet-based intervention was provided over 6-months. Subjects were then separated into two groups based on online exercise diary adherence (adherent to exercise self-monitoring = exercise entry >1 days per week, or non adherent = exercise entry < 1 day per week). A two-factor ANOVA (treatment group vs. self-monitoring adherence) was utilized to determine the effect of each factor on percent weight loss. Alpha level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: There was a main effect for both treatment, p < 0.001, and internet selfmonitoring, p < 0.001, with no interaction, p = 0.49. CONCLUSION: Results suggest the use of the internet more than once per week for self-monitoring of exercise improves weight loss outcomes regardless of the dietary program. Because no other surrogate markers of physical activity were assessed (e.g., cardiorespiratory fitness), it can not be determined if the use of internet exercise diaries resulted in better outcomes because these individuals performed more regular exercise.Table