The Dietary Intervention to Enhance Tracking with Mobile Devices (DIET Mobile) Study: A 6‐Month Randomized Weight Loss Trial

Abstract

Objective To examine the use of two different mobile diet self-monitoring methods for weight loss. Methods Overweight adults (n=81; mean BMI 34.7±5.6 kg/m2) were randomized to self-monitor their diet with a mobile app (App, n=42) or wearable Bite Counter device (Bite, n=39). Both groups received the same behavioral weight loss information via twice weekly podcasts. Weight, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and energy intake (2 dietary recalls) were assessed at 0, 3, and 6 months. Results At six months, 75% of participants completed the trial. The App group lost significantly more weight (-6.8±0.8 kg) than the Bite group (-3.0±0.8 kg; group×time interaction: P<0.001). Changes in energy intake (-621±157 App, -456±167 Bite; P=0.47) or number of days diet was tracked (90.7±59.2 App, 68.4±61.2 Bite; P=0.09) did not differ between groups, but the Bite group had significant increases in physical activity METs min/wk (+2015.4±684.6; P=0.02) compared to little change in the App group (-136.5±630.6; P=0.02). Total weight loss was significantly correlated with number of podcasts downloaded (r=-0.33, P<0.01) and number of days diet was tracked (r=-0.33, P<0.01). Conclusions While frequency of diet tracking was similar between the App and Bite groups, there was greater weight loss observed in the App group.

Changes in body composition with a hypocaloric diet combined with sedentary, moderate and high-intense physical activity: a randomized controlled trial.

“…While attrition was more significant than was intended, it is similar to observed in several other physical activity weight-loss interventions. [65,66] No differential attrition rates were found between groups in the present study. To avoid the self-report bias, previously documented [67], the data collection records check out by the research staff in face-to-face consultations weekly.…”

Changes in body composition with a hypocaloric diet combined with sedentary, moderate and high-intense physical activity: a randomized controlled trial.

“…While attrition was more significant than was intended, it is similar to observed in several other physical activity weight-loss interventions. [65,66] No differential attrition rates were found between groups in the present study. To avoid the self-report bias, previously documented [67], the data collection records check out by the research staff in face-to-face consultations weekly.…”

Digital self‐monitoring: Does adherence or association with outcomes differ by self‐monitoring target?

“…(Participants printed their food records in order to receive feedback on their dietary intake.) For dietary self‐monitoring, percent adherence was determined by the days in which there was at least one item logged (consistent with the approach used in other studies) . For physical activity self‐monitoring, percent adherence was determined by the number days in which participants had at least 500 steps tracked on the Fitbit .…”