The Tracking Study: description of a randomized controlled trial of variations on weight tracking frequency in a behavioral weight loss program. Contemp Clin Trials 2015 Jan;40:199-211
Date
12/24/2014Pubmed ID
25533727Pubmed Central ID
PMC4314442DOI
10.1016/j.cct.2014.12.007Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84920164798 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 14 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Observational evidence from behavioral weight control trials and community studies suggests that greater frequency of weighing oneself, or tracking weight, is associated with better weight outcomes. Conversely, it has also been suggested that frequent weight tracking may have a negative impact on mental health and outcomes during weight loss, but there are minimal experimental data that address this concern in the context of an active weight loss program. To achieve the long-term goal of strengthening behavioral weight loss programs, the purpose of this randomized controlled trial (the Tracking Study) is to test variations on frequency of self-weighing during a behavioral weight loss program, and to examine psychosocial and mental health correlates of weight tracking and weight loss outcomes. This paper describes the study design, intervention features, recruitment, and baseline characteristics of participants enrolled in the Tracking Study.
METHODS/DESIGN: Three hundred thirty-nine overweight and obese adults were recruited and randomized to one of three variations on weight tracking frequency during a 12-month weight loss program with a 12-month follow-up: daily weight tracking, weekly weight tracking, or no weight tracking. The primary outcome is weight in kilograms at 24 months. The weight loss program integrates each weight tracking instruction with standard behavioral weight loss techniques (goal setting, self-monitoring, stimulus control, dietary and physical activity enhancements, lifestyle modifications); participants in weight tracking conditions were provided with wireless Internet technology (wi-fi-enabled digital scales and touchscreen personal devices) to facilitate weight tracking during the study.
CONCLUSION: This study was successful in recruiting adult male and female participants and is positioned to enhance the standard of care with regard to weight tracking recommendations.
Author List
Linde JA, Jeffery RW, Crow SJ, Brelje KL, Pacanowski CR, Gavin KL, Smolenski DJAuthor
Kara L. Gavin Research Scientist II in the Center for Advancing Population Science department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Behavior Therapy
Body Weights and Measures
Diet
Exercise
Female
Health Behavior
Humans
Life Style
Male
Mental Health
Middle Aged
Obesity
Overweight
Research Design
Weight Loss
Weight Reduction Programs
Young Adult
