Abstract
Background: There is a need to identify effective behavioural strategies for weight loss. Self-weighing may be one such strategy. Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of self-weighing for weight loss. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials that included self-weighing as an isolated intervention or as a component within an intervention. We used sub groups to analyse differences in frequency of weighing instruction (daily and weekly) and also whether including accountability affected weight loss. Results: Only one study examined self-weighing as a single strategy and there was no evidence it was effective (-0.5 kg 95 % CI -1.3 to 0.3). Four trials added self-weighing/self-regulation techniques to multi-component programmes and resulted in a significant difference of -1.7 kg (95 % CI -2.6 to -0.8). Fifteen trials comparing multi-component interventions including self-weighing compared with no intervention or minimal control resulted in a significant mean difference of -3.4 kg (95 % CI -4.2 to -2.6). There was no significant difference in the interventions with weekly or daily weighing. In trials which included accountability there was significantly greater weight loss (p=0.03). Conclusions: There is a lack of evidence of whether advising self-weighing without other intervention components is effective. Adding self-weighing to a behavioural weight loss programme may improve weight loss. Behavioural weight loss programmes that include self-weighing are more effective than minimal interventions. Accountability may improve the effectiveness of interventions that include self-weighing.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 104 |
Journal | International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 21 Aug 2015 |
Keywords
- Health
- Obesity
- Public
- Self-weighing
- Treatment