Daily self-weighing improves weight-loss habits, increases confidence

Adults who weigh themselves at least 6 days a week for 1 year are more likely to practice better eating habits under a variety of stressful conditions, according to study findings presented at the EPI/Lifestyle Scientific Sessions in Phoenix.

“Individuals who developed the habit of weighing themselves at least 6 days per week also became more confident in avoiding eating under various emotional states or conditions, such as when they were feeling sad, tired, when food was available, or when engaging in positive or celebratory activities,” Yaguang Zheng, PhD, MSN, RN, who conducted the research while a graduate research assistant at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing in Pennsylvania, told Endocrine Today. “This strong habit and increased self-confidence supported their attempts to lose weight.”

Yaguang Zheng

Zheng and colleagues analyzed data from 148 adults with obesity participating in a 12-month behavioral weight-loss study (90.5% women; 81.1% white; mean age, 51.3 years; mean BMI, 34.1 kg/m²). Researchers provided participants with a Wi-Fi–enabled scale to transmit weight data to a server. Group-based trajectory modeling determined three self-weighing patterns: high/consistent (> 6 days/week; n = 111); moderate/declined (declined from 4-5 days to 2 days/week; n = 24); minimal/declined (5-6 days to 0 days/week; n = 13). Researchers used the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle scale semiannually to measure the ability to avoid eating under varied conditions (eg, home, social settings) and moods (eg, depressed, stressed), with higher scores indicating greater levels of self-efficacy. Linear mixed modeling was used for data analysis; there were no significant between-group differences in self-efficacy at baseline.

After 1 year, researchers found a significant group effect for changes in subscale score of negative emotions, group by time effect for social pressure and time effect for positive activities. The high/consistent self-weighing group showed significant increases in each subscale score and total score at both 6 and 12 months, with the subscale score of social pressure having a marginally significant increase at 12 months. The other two groups saw no changes over time, according to researchers.

“We need to explore strategies to increase individuals’ ability to develop regular self-weighing habits, as well as how they can use this information to better manage their eating habits,” Zheng said. – by Regina Schaffer

Reference:

Zheng Y, et al. Abstract P245. Presented at: EPI/Lifestyle Scientific Session; March 1-4, 2016; Phoenix.

For more information:

Yaguang Zheng, PhD, MSN, RN, can be reached at William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467; email: Zhengyp@bc.edu

Disclosure: Zheng reports no relevant financial disclosures.