Self‐weighing to prevent age‐related weight gain in young adults (1035.13)

Abstract

Short term trials of frequent self‐weighing has shown promise in reducing weight gain among first semester college students, as a model of preventing age‐related population weight gain. The current study evaluates a low‐cost, internet based intervention using wifi‐connected scales and individualized visual email feedback, to reduce age‐related weight gain over the course of 4 years among university students. A total of 167 freshman were randomized to experimental (E) or control (C) group. Both groups were provided with wifi‐connected scales. E was instructed to weigh daily and view a graph of weight which is immediately emailed to them after stepping on the scale. C were free to weigh at any time, but did not receive feedback. They were asked to weigh themselves every six months upon notification by the experimenters. Data from the first 6 months show that C gained weight (1.5±7.6 lbs), whereas E reduced weight (‐0.7±6.0 lbs), p=0.05 using last value carried forward and adjusted for baseline weight. Moreover, the frequency of self‐weighing was associated with weight change (‐0.3 lbs/days of weighing/week). Retention was 85% in both groups. These preliminary data are based on the one of longest interventions of college students to date and included the summer holiday months. The internet based frequent self‐weighing system used here appears feasible and efficacious in preventing age‐related weight gain in young adults.Grant Funding Source: Dr. Bertz fellowship is supported by The Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research