Experiences of Self-Monitoring: Successes and Struggles During Treatment for Weight Loss

Abstract

We interviewed 15 individuals who completed a behavioral weight loss treatment study with the aim of exploring participants' reflections on their feelings, attitudes and behaviors while using a paper diary to self-monitor their diet. Constant comparative and matrix analysis procedures were used to analyze interview data; the qualitative results were then interfaced with descriptive numerical data on individuals' adherence to self-monitoring and weight loss. Three categories of self-monitoring experience were identified (a) Well-Disciplined -those who had high adherence to self-monitoring, high weight loss and a "can do" positive approach, (b) Missing the Connection -those who had moderate adherence, moderate to low weight loss, and an "it's an assignment" approach without integrating self-monitoring into every day life, and (c) Diminished Support -those who had poor adherence, poor weight control, and were adversely affected by co-existing negative factors. Given the variations in how individuals integrated the process of self-monitoring, we need to consider individualizing self-monitoring strategies to improve adherence.

Living a successful weight loss after severe obesity

“…Health-related behaviours, barriers and facilitators for weight loss, meanings of identity change and turning points in life have been described (Burke, Swigart, Turk, Derro, & Ewing, 2009; Byrne, Cooper, & Fairburn, 2003; Epiphaniou & Ogden, 2010; Garip & Yardley, 2011; Hindle & Carpenter, 2011; Lindvall, Larsson, Weinehall, & Emmelin, 2010; Ogden & Hills, 2008; Ogden, Stavrinaki, & Stubbs, 2009; Sarlio-Lähteenkorva, 2000; Stuckey et al, 2011). However, losing and maintaining weight from overweight/obesity and losing weight and maintaining weight loss from severe obesity might be significantly different phenomena, and qualitative studies of long-term weight loss maintenance after severe obesity are lacking.…”

Undergraduate UK nutrition education might not adequately address weight management

“…Dietary restraint, locus of control and self-efficacy are all factors that have been identified in the literature (32,33,42,43) and were discussed repeatedly by participants. Self-monitoring, goal setting and coping have also been identified elsewhere (33,44) and were described by participants too. The accreditation document made few references to information that could be directly interpreted to reflect these concepts.…”

“…Behaviour-change interventions are complex and consist of interacting interventions and variables, and it is not always clear which interventions are effective (44) . Reporting practices within studies are sometimes inconsistent and interventions are sometimes only partially reported (45) .…”

Weight Loss and Maintenance in Adult Populations: What Works?

“…14,15 With the numerous apps available and the ability to enter dietary information into a portable device, we have a heightened degree of optimism that patients will more consistently engage in the tracking of their calorie intake and expenditure during active weight loss and weight maintenance. However, studies should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness in using a variety of electronic devices to assist in the maintenance of weight loss, which is important to sustain the health benefits from initial weight loss.…”