The Use of Telehealth Technology in Assessing the Accuracy of Self-Reported Weight and the Impact of a Daily Immediate-Feedback Intervention among Obese Employees

Nicolaas P Pronk,Brian C Martinson,A Lauren Crain,Jackie L Boucher,Jeffrey J Vanwormer,Daniel L Cosentino

doi:10.1155/2011/909248

Abstract

Objective. To determine the accuracy of self-reported body weight prior to and following a weight loss intervention including daily self-weighing among obese employees. Methods. As part of a 6-month randomized controlled trial including a no-treatment control group, an intervention group received a series of coaching calls, daily self-weighing, and interactive telemonitoring. The primary outcome variable was the absolute discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weight at baseline and at 6 months. We used general linear mixed model regression to estimate changes and differences between study groups over time. Results. At baseline, study participants underreported their weight by an average of 2.06 (se = 0.33) lbs. The intervention group self-reported a smaller absolute body weight discrepancy at followup than the control group. Conclusions. The discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weight appears to be relatively small, may be improved through daily self-monitoring using immediate-feedback telehealth technology, and negligibly impacts change in body weight.

Highlights

Assessment of self-reported body weight is widely regarded as being more practical than obtaining a measured weight [1]
To determine the accuracy of self-reported body weight prior to and following a weight loss intervention including daily self-weighing among obese employees
The results of this study indicate that, in relative terms, the discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weights among obese employees is small, consistent over time, and not influenced by a self-monitoring intervention, thereby supporting the contention that self-reported body weight may be considered a reasonable estimate of measured body weight and body weight change among obese employees

Summary

Introduction

Assessment of self-reported body weight is widely regarded as being more practical than obtaining a measured weight [1]. In both community samples and employed populations, self-reported weight has been shown to be fairly accurate [2,3,4,5]. The heavier the individual, the greater the self-reported bias toward an underestimate of body weight [8, 10]. This bias phenomenon can be especially problematic because self-reported body weight may call into question the utility of employee self-assessments in estimations of program impact. Recruitment and screening efforts are complicated when seemingly eligible participants are misclassified based on inaccurate self-reported weight [12]

Methods

Results

Conclusion