Self-weighing in weight management interventions: A systematic review of literature

Abstract

Background: Self-weighing increases a person's self-awareness of current weight and weight patterns. Increased self-weighing frequency can help an individual prevent weight gain.Literature, however, is limited in describing variability in self-weighing strategies and how the variability is associated with weight management outcomes. Aim: This review analyzed selfweighing in weight management interventions and the effects of self-weighing on weight and other outcomes. Methods: Twenty-two articles from PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, and Academic Search Premier were extracted for review. Results: These 22 articles reported findings from 19 intervention trials, mostly on weight loss or weight gain prevention. The majority of the reviewed articles reported interventions that combined self-weighing with other self-monitoring strategies (64%), adopted daily self-weighing frequency (84%), and implemented interventions up to six months (59%). One-half of the articles mentioned that technology-enhanced or regular weight scales were given to study participants. Of the articles that provided efficacy data, 75% of self-weighing-only interventions and 67% of combined interventions demonstrated improved weight outcomes. No negative psychological effects were found. Conclusions: Self-weighing is likely to improve weight outcomes, particularly when performed daily or weekly, without causing untoward adverse effects. Weight management interventions could consider including this strategy.

A Smartphone Application for Personal Assessments of Body Composition and Phenotyping

“…These measurements, however, can be time-consuming and require training and proficiency to provide reliable and useful information for personal and clinical use. Self-monitoring of body weight and various biometrics are effective in the promotion of successful weight loss, weight maintenance, and weight regain prevention [8,9,10]. Assessments of body fat during weight loss intervention are important to enable the preservation of lean body mass [11].…”

Efficacy of Internet-Based Self-Monitoring Interventions on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Perinatal Diabetic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Awareness could trigger a self-evaluation response involving the interpretation of one’s condition against a goal or standard; after self-evaluation, a series of responses could be determined through self-adjustment and self-reinforcement [1,6]. Self-monitoring capitalizes on this motivation to achieve glycemic control [8], improve weight management [9], and reduce hospitalization and readmission rates [10]. …”

Changes in the Perceptions of Self‐weighing Across Time in a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention

“…Individuals in the SP condition were given a handout of available resources (i.e., individual telephone sessions and self-monitoring feedback via email when requested, lesson materials). During telephone sessions, counselors encouraged daily self-weighing as one of the most effective tools for weight loss (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7). Further details on the sample and study procedures are described elsewhere (15).…”

“…Frequent self-weighing is an effective tool for weight loss and weight gain prevention (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7), and decreases in self-weighing are associated with subsequent weight gain (8). Extensive research refutes the common misperception that self-weighing increases long-term psychological distress and body dissatisfaction (5,9). In fact, some studies have suggested frequent self-weighing increases body satisfaction over time (10,11).…”