The Effect of Different Types of Monitoring Strategies on Weight Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of various monitoring strategies on weight loss, body composition, blood markers, exercise, and psychosocial indices in adults with overweight and obesity following a 12-month weight loss program. Methods: Two hundred fifty adults with BMI ≥ 27 were randomized to brief, monthly, individual consults, daily self-monitoring of weight, self-monitoring of diet using MyFitnessPal, self-monitoring of hunger, or control over 12 months. All groups received diet and exercise advice, and 171 participants (68.4%) remained at 12 months. Results: No significant differences in weight, body composition, blood markers, exercise, or eating behavior were apparent between those in the four monitoring groups and the control condition at 12 months (all P ≥ 0.053). Weight differences between groups ranged from −1.1 kg (−3.8 to 1.6) to 2.2 kg (−1.0 to 5.3). However, brief support and hunger training groups reported significantly lower scores for depression (difference [95% CI]: −3.16 [−5.70 to −0.62] and −3.05 [−5.61 to −0.50], respectively) and anxiety (−1.84, [−3.67 to −0.02]) scores than control participants. Conclusions: Although adding a monitoring strategy to diet and exercise advice did not further increase weight loss, no adverse effects on eating behavior were observed, and some monitoring strategies may even benefit mental health.