Self-weighing Frequency Research Articles

Importance of self-weighing to avoid post-cessation weight gain: A secondary analysis of the fit and quit randomized trial.

Smoking cessation is associated with weight gain, and the risk of weight gain is a common deterrent to quitting smoking. Thus, the identification of strategies for reducing post-smoking cessation weight gain is critical. Conduct secondary analysis of data from the Fit & Quit trial to determine if greater frequency of self-weighing is associated with less weight gain in the context of smoking cessation. Participants (N=305) were randomized to one of three 2-month weight interventions (i.e., Stability, Loss, Bibliotherapy), followed by a smoking cessation intervention. Stability and Loss conditions received different types of self-weighing feedback. All participants received e-scales at baseline, to capture daily self-weighing data over 12months. General linear models were applied to test the main objective. Frequency of self-weighing was (mean±SD) 2.67±1.84days/week. The Stability condition had significantly higher self-weighing frequency (3.18±1.72days/week) compared to the Loss (2.51±1.99days/week) and the Bibliotherapy conditions (2.22±1.63days/week). Adjusting for baseline weight and treatment condition, self-weighing 3-4days/week was associated with weight stability (-0.77kg, 95% CI: -2.2946, 0.7474, p=0.3175), and self-weighing 5 or more days/week was associated with 2.26kg weight loss (95% CI: -3.9249, -0.5953, p=0.0080). Self-weighing may serve as a useful tool for weight gain prevention after smoking cessation. Feedback received about self-weighing behaviors and weight trajectory (similar to the feedback Stability participants received) might enhance adherence.

Korean Medicine with Self-monitoring for Weight Control and Factors Associated with Weight Loss: a Retrospective Observational Study

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of weight loss in Korean Medicine (KM) obesity treatment combined with self-monitoring and to identify the relevant factors which are related to successful weight loss. In addition to this, adverse events reported by the patients were analyzed to assess the safety of KM treatments for obesityMethods: This was a retrospective observational study that analyzed the medical records of the patients that participated in the 10-week of KM treatment. All patients took herbal medicine for weight loss and were instructed to reduce calorie intake and adhere to self-monitoring. Clinical data including body weight were collected for evaluating the effect of the treatments. Behavior factors affecting weight loss were collected. The correlation between each factor and weight loss was analyzed. Adverse events (AEs) were collected at each time to evaluate the safety of the intervention.Results: One hundred eighteen patients’ records were included in this study. The average weight loss was 7.64kg(74.59kg to 66.95kg). 94.9% of patients lost 5% or more of their initial weight. The degree of weight loss was identified to be related to self-assessment of diet control and self-assessment of appetite control. The average self-weighing frequency significantly increased(2.45 times/week before treatment and 4.70 times/weeks during treatment). Constipation, insomnia, and dizziness were found to be the most frequent AEs, and except for one case, most AEs were mild cases.Conclusion: From this study, we found that KM obesity treatment combined with self-monitoring showed significant weight loss without serious AE.

Frequency of Self-Weighing and Weight Change: Cohort Study With 10,000 Smart Scale Users.

BackgroundFrequent self-weighing is associated with successful weight loss and weight maintenance during and after weight loss interventions. Less is known about self-weighing behaviors and associated weight change in free-living settings.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the association between the frequency of self-weighing and changes in body weight in a large international cohort of smart scale users.MethodsThis was an observational cohort study with 10,000 randomly selected smart scale users who had used the scale for at least 1 year. Longitudinal weight measurement data were analyzed. The association between the frequency of self-weighing and weight change over the follow-up was investigated among normal weight, overweight, and obese users using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and linear models. The association between the frequency of self-weighing and temporal weight change was analyzed using linear mixed effects models.ResultsThe eligible sample consisted of 9768 participants (6515/9768, 66.7% men; mean age 41.5 years; mean BMI 26.8 kg/m2). Of the participants, 4003 (4003/9768, 41.0%), 3748 (3748/9768, 38.4%), and 2017 (2017/9768, 20.6%) were normal weight, overweight, and obese, respectively. During the mean follow-up time of 1085 days, the mean weight change was –0.59 kg, and the mean percentage of days with a self-weigh was 39.98%, which equals 2.8 self-weighs per week. The percentage of self-weighing days correlated inversely with weight change, r=–0.111 (P<.001). Among normal weight, overweight, and obese individuals, the correlations were r=–0.100 (P<.001), r=–0.125 (P<.001), and r=–0.148 (P<.001), respectively. Of all participants, 72.5% (7085/9768) had at least one period of ≥30 days without weight measurements. During the break, weight increased, and weight gains were more pronounced among overweight and obese individuals: 0.58 kg in the normal weight group, 0.93 kg in the overweight group, and 1.37 kg in the obese group (P<.001).ConclusionsFrequent self-weighing was associated with favorable weight loss outcomes also in an uncontrolled, free-living setting, regardless of specific weight loss interventions. The beneficial associations of regular self-weighing were more pronounced for overweight or obese individuals.

Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial comparing two low-intensity weight loss maintenance interventions based on acceptance and commitment therapy or self-regulation

BackgroundWeight regain is common following behavioral obesity treatment and attenuates many of the benefits of initial weight loss. This paper describes a randomized controlled trial that will evaluate the efficacy of two low-contact weight loss maintenance interventions based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and self-regulation (SR). Potential mechanisms of action and moderators of treatment effects will also be evaluated. MethodsAdults (anticipated N = 480) with overweight or obesity will complete an initial 3-month online weight loss program (Phase 1). Participants who achieve ≥4 kg weight loss (anticipated N = 288) will then be randomized to an ACT or SR weight loss maintenance intervention. Both interventions will entail four 2.5 h, face-to-face, group-based workshop sessions and 6 months of email contact. Assessments will be conducted at phase 1 baseline, phase 1 completion/pre-randomization, and 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months post-randomization. The primary outcome will be weight change for the period from randomization to 30 months. Potential process measures including ACT-based constructs (e.g., psychological acceptance, values-consistent behavior), self-weighing frequency, and motivation will be also be assessed, as will potential moderators (e.g., initial weight loss). ConclusionsThis study will compare the efficacy of two intervention approaches (ACT and SR) delivered in a scalable workshop format for long-term weight loss maintenance. Future research could examine efficacy and cost-effectiveness of these approaches in real world settings.

Self-weighing Practices and Associated Health Behaviors during COVID-19

Objective: In this study, we investigated self-weighing frequency (SWF) among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and retrospectively (6 months) before the pandemic, and whether SWF was associated with changes in health-related behaviors. Methods: United States adults (N = 1607) completed a health-related questionnaire during COVID-19 and associated shelter-in-place. We categorized respondents into 4 groups of SWF at the time of the pandemic: "Never," "< 1x a week," "1x a week," or "> 1x a week." Results: The proportion of adults never weighing increased during the pandemic (15% to 25%), whereas the proportion of those weighing < 1x week went down (41% to 29%). Higher SWF was significantly associated with changes in energy expenditure including increased total physical activity (PA), lower likelihood of decreases in vigorous, moderate, and walking PA, and a lower likelihood of sitting more. More frequent self-weighing also was associated statistically with lower likelihood of keeping unhealthy eating behaviors the same. Conversely, there was no significant difference in changes in alcohol, caffeine, takeout, fruit or vegetable consumption, and television viewing among SWF groups. Conclusion: SWF decreased during the pandemic in the lower 2 SWF categories. Higher SWF was associated with fewer negative changes in health behaviors, especially related to PA.

Examining Self-Weighing Behaviors and Associated Features and Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Binge-Eating Disorder and Obesity with and without Food Addiction.

Food addiction (FA) has been linked to clinical features in binge-eating disorder (BED) and obesity. A feature of behavioral weight loss (BWL) treatment involves frequent weighing. However, little is known regarding how frequency of self-weighing and related perceptions are associated with BWL outcomes among individuals with BED and obesity stratified by FA status. Participants (n = 186) were assessed with the Eating Disorder Examination before and after BWL treatment. Mixed effects models examined FA (presence/absence) before and after (post-treatment and 6- and 12-month follow-up) treatment and associations with frequency of weighing and related perceptions (reactions to weighing, sensitivity to weight gain and shape/weight acceptance). Participants with FA reported more negative reactions to weighing and less acceptance of shape/weight throughout treatment and follow-ups, and both variables were associated with greater disordered eating at follow-ups among participants with FA. Sensitivity to weight gain decreased over time independent of FA status. Frequency of weighing was associated with a greater likelihood of achieving 5% weight loss only among those without FA. Reactions to weighing and sensitivity to weight gain are associated with FA and poorer treatment outcomes in individuals with BED and obesity. Targeting these features may improve BWL outcomes among individuals with BED, obesity and FA.

Frequency and Consistency of Self-Weighing to Promote Weight-Loss Maintenance.

This study aimed to investigate the roles of frequency and consistency of self-weighing in promoting weight-loss maintenance. Participants were 74 adults who completed a 3-month internet-based weight-loss program followed by a 9-month no-intervention maintenance period. Frequency of self-weighing was defined as the number of days that participants self-weighed during the maintenance period via a study-provided smart scale. Consistency was defined as the number of weeks that participants self-weighed at a certain frequency, with multiple minimum thresholds examined. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to assess associations among frequency, consistency, and weight change during the maintenance period. Greater consistency was significantly associated with less weight regain when defined as the number of weeks that participants self-weighed on ≥6 d/wk or 7 d/wk (P values < 0.05). Contrary to hypotheses, frequency was not associated with weight change (P = 0.141), and there was not a significant interaction between frequency and consistency. Results demonstrate that consistency of self-weighing may be more important than total frequency for preventing weight regain after the end of a weight-loss program. Further, results suggest that a high level of consistency (self-weighing for ≥6 d/wk or 7 d/wk) may be necessary to promote successful weight-loss maintenance.

The Role of Self-Regulation in the Effect of Self-Tracking of Physical Activity and Weight on BMI

Self-tracking of health may have positive effects on lifestyle behavior and weight loss; however, not much is known about the role of psychological processes in this effect. The purpose of this study was to assess to what extent a change in self-regulation capabilities can explain weight loss after 4 and 12 months of self-tracking physical activity and weight. An explorative cohort study was conducted with measurements at baseline (T0), 4 months (T1), and 12 months (T2). Healthy adult volunteers (N = 80) were included and provided with a digital weight scale and an activity tracker. Personal characteristics as well as the intention to change weight and physical activity were measured at T0. Self-regulation capabilities (goal orientation, self-direction, decision making, and impulse control) were measured with the Self-Regulation Questionnaire at T0, T1, and T2, together with body weight. At T0, all four dimensions of self-regulation were negatively related to BMI (p < .01). At T1, weight significantly declined compared to T0 (− 2.0 kg/− 0.64 kg/m2, p < .001). At T2, this weight loss was maintained (− 1.8 kg/− 0.57 kg/m2, p < .01). At T1, intention to lose weight, self-weighing frequency, and an increase in goal orientation explained weight loss. At T2, an increase in decision making explained weight loss. Incremental self-regulation capabilities may explain weight loss after engaging in self-tracking of physical activity and weight. Future research should focus on exploring effective ways to further enhance self-regulation when using self-tracking technology and to assess the impact of different types of self-regulation stimuli on weight loss.

A digital health weight-loss intervention in severe obesity.

IntroductionSevere obesity is a growing epidemic that causes significant morbidity and mortality, and is particularly difficult to reverse. Efficacious and cost-effective interventions are needed to combat this epidemic. This study hypothesized that obese people (body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2) using a remote weight-loss program combining a mobile application, wireless scales, and low-calorie meal replacement would experience clinically significant weight loss.MethodsThis study was a retrospective observational analysis of 8275 individuals with a baseline BMI ≥35 kg/m2 who used a remote weight-loss program combining mobile applications, frequent self-weighing, and calorie restriction via meal replacement for a minimum of 35 days. Weight changes were evaluated at multiple intervals (42, 60, 90, and 120 days), and weight loss was evaluated for all and for pre-specified subgroups based on demographic features and frequency of self-weighing.ResultsMean weight loss at 42 days (N = 6781) was 8.1 kg (margin of error (MOE) = 0.126 kg) with 73.6% of users experiencing >5% total body weight loss. Both men (9.1 kg; MOE = 0.172 kg; 7.9% from baseline) and women (7.1 kg; MOE = 0.179 kg; 7.2% from baseline) experienced significant weight loss. At the 120-day interval (N = 2914), mean weight loss was 14 kg (MOE = 0.340 kg), 13% total body weight loss from baseline, and 82.3% of participants had lost >5% of their initial body weight. The decrease in body-fat percent correlated well with weight loss (R = 0.92; p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn a large cohort of individuals with class II or III obesity, a remote weight-loss program combining mobile applications, daily self-weighing, and calorie restriction via meal replacement resulted in dramatic weight loss among subjects who were active users when evaluated through a retrospective observational analysis.

Self-weighing Frequency and Its Relationship with Health Measures.

Objectives: In this study, we investigated self-weighing frequency (SWF) among adults and whether SWF was associated with health markers. Methods: We had 533 US adults complete a questionnaire on SWF and other health markers. Respondents were categorized into 4 quartiles of SWF: "Never," "<1x/week," "1x/week," or ">1x/week." Results: Overall, 60.0% of adults weighed <1x/week and 25% never weighed. More frequent self-weighing was associated with less sedentary time, more vigorous physical activity (PA) and several healthier practices including reading nutrition labels, eating whole grains, drinking less soda, self-monitoring of food, PA and weight change, and consuming lower- or no-calorie beverages and sweeteners. Conversely, there was no difference in BMI, age, stress, education, sleep, screen time, or chronic diseases between SWF quartiles. Conclusion: Whereas SWF was associated with some markers of health including vigorous PA and some healthier dietary habits, SWF was not linked to BMI, stress, sleep, or chronic diseases.

Understanding Primary Care Patients' Self-weighing Habits: Cohort Analysis from the PaTH Clinical Data Research Network.

Greater than 60% of adults have overweight or obesity. Self-weighing is an effective weight loss and weight maintenance tool. However, little is known about self-weighing habits among the primary care patient population. Our objective was to examine the frequency of patient-reported self-weighing, and to evaluate the associations of self-weighing with demographic characteristics and self-monitoring behaviors. We conducted an analysis of survey data collected as part of the PaTH Clinical Data Research Network, which recruited a cohort of 1,021 primary care patients at 4 academic medical centers. Patients of all body mass index (BMI) categories were included. Response rate of 6-month survey was 727 (71%). The mean age was 56years, and most were female (68%), White (78%), college graduates (66%), and employed/retired (85%). The mean BMI was 30.2kg/m2, 80% of participants had a BMI≧25kg/m2. Of patients with BMI≧25kg/m2, 35% of participants self-weighed weekly and 23% daily. Participants who reported self-weighing at least weekly were more likely to be older (59 vs 54years, p < 0.01), married (p = 0.01), college graduates (p = 0.03), White (p < 0.01), and employed vs disabled/unemployed (p < 0.01). Patients who self-weighed daily had a lower BMI (29kg/m2 vs 31kg/m2, p = 0.04). Patients who tracked exercise or food intake were more likely to self-weigh daily (p < 0.01), as were patients wanting to lose or maintain weight (p < 0.01). Despite its potential for primary and secondary obesity prevention, only 35% of primary care patients with overweight or obesity engage in self-weighing weekly and less than a quarter (23%) self-weigh daily. Socioeconomic status appears to be a factor influencing regular self-weighing in this population, potentially contributing to greater health disparities in obesity rates. Patients who self-weighed daily had a lower BMI, suggesting that it may play a role in primary prevention of obesity. More work is needed to explore self-weighing among patients.

Do the holidays impact weight and self-weighing behaviour among adults engaged in a behavioural weight loss intervention?

We examined the U.S. holiday period impact on weight gain, self-weighing, and treatment success among adults in a weight loss intervention (N=171). Using electronic scales, body weight and self-weighing frequency were compared by time period [i.e., pre-holiday, holiday (November 15–January 1), post-holiday]. Self-weighing was less frequent during holiday period (p<.01), and longer intervention engagement was associated with weight gain (p<.0001) during this time. Enrollment during holiday period was associated with 2.3% 12-month weight loss. Holiday period enrollment might be beneficial for preventing holiday weight gain and facilitating successful intervention outcomes.

Seasonal fluctuations in weight and self-weighing behavior among adults in a behavioral weight loss intervention.

The current study aimed to observe potential seasonal fluctuations in weight and self-weighing behavior among a diverse sample of adults engaged in a behavioral weight loss intervention. Active duty personnel (N = 248) were randomized to either a counselor-initiated or self-paced 12-month behavioral weight loss intervention promoting daily self-weighing. Body weight and self-weighing frequency were collected from electronic scales (e-scales) provided at baseline. Overall, participants lost weight from winter to spring (p = 0.02) and gained weight from fall to winter (p < 0.001). No demographic differences in weight changes were observed. Participants self-weighed less frequently during summer compared to spring (p < 0.0001), less in fall compared to summer (p < 0.0001), and less in winter compared to fall (p < 0.0001). In multivariate models, weight change and self-weighing frequency during the previous season, as well as days since randomization and intervention intensity were associated with seasonal weight changes. This study is the first to observe seasonal fluctuations of weight and self-weighing behavior among adults actively engaged in a weight loss intervention, consistent with research in the general population. Findings highlight the importance of acknowledging seasonal influence within weight loss programs and trials. Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Eating pathology and psychological outcomes in young adults in self-regulation interventions using daily self-weighing.

Self-regulation interventions encouraging daily weighing prevent weight gain in young adults; however, concerns have been raised that such interventions may have undesirable effects on eating pathology, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQL). The present study examined whether self-regulation interventions and self-weighing frequency were associated with these indices in normal weight individuals and those with overweight or obesity. Young adults (n = 599), 18-35 years with a body mass index (BMI) 21.0-30.9 kg/m² were randomized to control, self-regulation with small changes (SC) or self-regulation with large changes (LC). Interventions taught frequent self-weighing to guide behavioral changes. SC prescribed daily small decreases in intake and increases in physical activity. LC prescribed a 5- to 10-lb weight loss to buffer against anticipated gains. Psychological indices were assessed at baseline and periodically over 2 years of follow-up. There was no evidence that the interventions increased depressive symptoms or compensatory behaviors or decreased HRQL relative to control. LC increased flexible and rigid control and SC decreased disinhibition. Results did not differ by weight status with the exception of rigid control; here, differences between LC and the other conditions were smaller among those with BMI ≥ 25. Greater self-weighing frequency over time was associated with increases in flexible and rigid control, dietary restraint, and improvements in HRQL. The self-regulation interventions and increases in self-weighing had no untoward effects. Encouraging weight gain prevention in young adults through frequent weighing and self-regulation appears to be safe for normal weight young adults and those with overweight. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Accuracy of Self-Report Versus Objective Smart-Scale Weights During a 12-Week Weight Management Intervention.

Greater frequency of self-weighing has been associated with greater weight loss in weight management interventions, but little is known regarding the accuracy of self-reported weight data. Agreement between objective smart-scale and self-reported weight data was assessed in 74 adults (age = 50.7 years; BMI = 31.2 kg/m2 ) enrolled in a 12-week, Internet-based weight management program. Participants were asked to self-weight daily using a study-provided smart scale and to self-report weights via the study website. There was strong agreement between smart-scale and self-reported weight values (intraclass correlation = 0.982) but only moderate agreement regarding frequency of self-weighing assessed via each method (κ = 0.491; P < 0.0001). Greater self-weighing frequency was associated with greater weight loss across measures (all P < 0.001). Compared with days when participants did both, weights were 0.66 kg higher on days when participants self-weighed via the smart scale but did not self-report weight (8% of days) and 0.58 kg higher on days when they self-reported weight but did not self-weigh via the smart scale (4% of days; all P < 0.0001). Results suggest that self-reported weight values are similar to smart-scale measurements; however, either method alone may underestimate self-weighing frequency. Furthermore, missing self-weighing data should not be treated as ignorable because weights may be higher than those observed on nonmissing days.

Personality Traits Associated with Weight Maintenance among Successful Weight Losers

Objective The influence of personality traits on successful weight loss has been studied previously with conflicting findings. Much less is known about the influence of personality traits on weight maintenance after weight loss. The aims of this study were to assess how personality traits were associated with motivational factors, dietary habits, self-weighing frequency, need for support, and difficulties encountered during the weight loss process in formerly successful weight maintainers. MethodsThis study was based upon findings from the Finnish Weight Control Registry, including 158 (100 women and 58 men, age 18-60 years) formerly obese participants with ≥10% weight loss and who maintained it ≥ 2 years. Data were collected through electronic forms and personality traits were assessed according to the Five Factor Model with the Finnish version of the Ten Item Personality Inventory. ResultsPersonality traits neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were associated with motivational factors, self-weighing frequency, dietary habits, support, and difficulties during the weight loss process. Sex differences were observed. ConclusionsPersonality traits may be important in successful long-term weight maintenance after weight loss. Our results might not be generalizable in other populations because only Caucasians were included. The small sample size needs to be considered.

Self-perception of weight and physical fitness, body image perception, control weight behaviors and eating behaviors in adolescents.

self-perception of weight and physical fitness, aesthetic reasons to diet, self-weighing as a way to feel better and body imageperception have been related to a constellation of risks to develop both body image dissatisfaction and eating behavior disturbances, especiallyamong adolescents. to analyze weight self-perception and self-reported physical fitness, to explore the links between these variables and weight controlbehaviors, to explore possible relations among weight self-perception, self-reported physical fitness, dieting, self-weighing frequency and bodymass index (BMI)/body image and to analyze the relation between all these variables and different eating behaviors. a total of 336 students (mean age of 12.46 ± 2.14; 47.62% females) took part in this study. Different scales were administered(weight self-perception and self-reported physical fitness, dieting, self-weighing frequency, body image perception, eating behaviors) and heightand weight were measured in order to obtain the BMI. mean BMI was 20.18 ± 3.58 and 41.14% of participants had overweight/obesity. Among those who perceived themselves as overweight,76.92% were girls. More than 70% of participants reported average or good physical fitness and more boys reported good or excellent physicalfitness. Almost 60% of participants who planned to diet for aesthetic reasons were girls, and girls more than boys self-weighed to feel better. BMI was significantly correlated with body image dissatisfaction/restrictive eating. there are clear links between weight self-perception, body image, dieting, self-weighing and eating behaviors at an age whichmight be considered as a starting point to eating behavior disturbances.

How Accurate are Recalls of Self-Weighing Frequency? Data from a 24-Month Randomized Trial.

BackgroundSelf-weighing is an important component of self-monitoring during weight loss. However, methods of measuring self-weighing frequency need to be validated. This analysis compared self-reported to objective weighing frequency.MethodsData came from a 24-month RCT. Participants received 12 months of a behavioral weight loss program and were randomly assigned to: 1) daily self-weighing, 2) weekly weighing, or 3) no weighing (excluded from analysis). Objective weighing frequency was measured by Wi-Fi enabled scales and self-reported weighing frequency was assessed every 6 months by questionnaire. Objective weights were categorized to match the scale of the self-report measure.ResultsAt 12 months, there was 80.8% agreement between self-reported and objective weighing frequency (weighted kappa = 0.67, p < 0.001). At 24 months, agreement decreased to 48.5% (kappa = 0.27, p < 0.001). At both time points where disagreements occurred, self-reported frequencies were generally greater than objectively assessed weighing. Both self-reported and objectively assessed weighing frequency were associated with weight loss at 12 and 24 months (p’s < 0.001).ConclusionsSelf-reported weighing frequency is modestly correlated with objective weighing frequency; however, both are associated with weight change over time. Objective assessment of weighing frequency should be used to avoid overestimating actual frequency.

Relation of self-weighing to future weight gain and onset of disordered eating symptoms.

Frequent self-weighing is recommended in weight loss interventions and may prevent weight gain. However, concerns regarding the associations between self-weighing and eating disorders have been expressed and the relations between self-weighing and weight gain/eating pathology have not been examined prospectively. We tested whether (a) frequency of baseline self-weighing in college students with weight concerns predicted weight change over 2-year follow-up, (b) this relation was moderated by eating disorder symptoms, and (c) self-weighing predicted future eating disorder symptoms. Data were merged from two trials evaluating obesity/eating disorder prevention programs in 762 students (Mage = 18.7; 86% women). Participants reported how often they weighed themselves at baseline; body mass index (BMI) and eating disorder symptoms were assessed over 2-year follow-up. Baseline self-weighing predicted weight gain, with more frequent weighers experiencing greater gains (i.e., +0.8 of BMI) over follow-up. This relation was moderated by the frequency of binge eating but not weight/shape concerns or compensatory behaviors; the combination of more frequent self-weighing and binge eating was associated with greatest weight gain (+1.6 of BMI). More frequent weighers also reported higher onset of compensatory behaviors, relative to non-self-weighers (odds ratio = 3.90, 95% confidence interval [1.76, 8.75]). Young adults who weighed themselves more frequently had greater weight gain than those who self-weighed less frequently, especially those who engaged in binge eating, and were at risk for future unhealthy compensatory behaviors. Findings suggest that frequent self-weighing may have negative effects for some young adults, and that relations between self-weighing and weight control outcomes require further investigation. (PsycINFO Database Record

Two-year follow-up of a postpartum weight loss intervention: Results from a randomized controlled trial.

We recently reported that a 12-week diet intervention among postpartum women produced a weight loss of 12% after 1year, compared to 5% in controls. Here, we present 2-year results after 1year of unsupervised follow-up. In total, 110 women with a self-reported body mass index of ≥27kg/m2 at 6-15-week postpartum were randomized to diet group (D-group) or control group (C-group). D-group received a 12-week diet intervention by a dietitian followed by monthly e-mails up to the 1-year follow-up. C-group received a brochure on healthy eating. No contact was provided from 1 to 2years to either group. Eighty-nine women (81%) completed the 2-year follow-up. Median (1st; 3rd quartile) weight change from 0 to 2years was -6.9 (-11.0; -2.2) kg in D-group and -4.3 (-8.7; -0.2) kg in C-group. There was no group by time interaction at 2years (p=.082); however, when women with a new pregnancy between 1 and 2years were excluded, the interaction became significant (-8.2 vs. -4.6kg, p=.038). From 1 to 2years, women in D- and C-group gained 2.5±5.0kg and 1.1±4.4kg, respectively (p=.186). Women who gained weight from 1 to 2years reported a decrease in self-weighing frequency compared to women who maintained or lost weight (p=.008). Both groups achieved clinically relevant 2-year weight loss, but the significant between-group-difference observed at 1year was not maintained at 2years in the main analysis. However, when women with a new pregnancy between 1 and 2years were excluded, a significant weight loss effect was observed also at 2years.