Citation
Nezami, Brooke T.; Valle, Carmina G.; Nulty, Alison K.; Espeland, Mark; Wing, Rena R.; & Tate, Deborah F. (2021). Predictors and Outcomes of Digital Weighing and Activity Tracking Lapses among Young Adults during Weight Gain Prevention. Obesity (Silver Spring), 29(4), 698-705. PMCID: PMC7995618Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Self-monitoring is critical for weight management, but little is known about lapses in the use of digital self-monitoring. The objectives of this study were to examine whether lapses in self-weighing and wearing activity trackers are associated with weight and activity outcomes and to identify objective predictors of lapses.METHODS: Participants (N = 160, BMI = 25.5 ± 3.3 kg/m(2) , 33.1 ± 4.6 years old) were drawn from a sample of young adults in the Study of Novel Approaches to Prevention-Extension (SNAP-E) weight gain prevention trial. Analyses evaluated associations between weighing and tracker lapses and changes in weight and steps/day during the first 90 days after receiving a smart scale and activity tracker.
RESULTS: On average, participants self-weighed 49.6% of days and wore activity trackers 75.2% of days. Every 1-day increase in a weighing lapse was associated with a 0.06-lb gain. Lapses in tracker wear were not associated with changes in steps/day or weight between wear days. Weight gain predicted a higher likelihood of starting a lapse in weighing and tracker wear, whereas lower steps predicted a higher likelihood of a tracker lapse.
CONCLUSIONS: Weight gain may discourage adherence to self-monitoring. Future research could examine just-in-time supports to anticipate and reduce the frequency or length of self-monitoring lapses.
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/oby.23123Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2021Journal Title
Obesity (Silver Spring)Author(s)
Nezami, Brooke T.Valle, Carmina G.
Nulty, Alison K.
Espeland, Mark
Wing, Rena R.
Tate, Deborah F.