scholarly journals Slip Buddy App for Weight Management: Randomized Feasibility Trial of a Dietary Lapse Tracking App (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherry Pagoto ◽  
Bengisu Tulu ◽  
Molly E Waring ◽  
Jared Goetz ◽  
Jessica Bibeau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Common Type ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Tracking Condition

BACKGROUND Although calorie tracking is one of the strongest predictors of weight loss in behavioral weight loss interventions, low rates of adherence are common. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of using the Slip Buddy app during a 12-week web-based weight loss program. METHODS We conducted a randomized pilot trial to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using the Slip Buddy app compared with a popular commercial calorie tracking app during a counselor-led, web-based behavioral weight loss intervention. Adults who were overweight or obese were recruited on the web and randomized into a 12-week web-based weight loss intervention that included either the Slip Buddy app or a commercial calorie tracking app. Feasibility outcomes included retention, app use, usability, slips reported, and contextual factors reported at slips. Acceptability outcomes included ratings of how helpful, tedious, taxing, time consuming, and burdensome using the assigned app was. We described weight change from baseline to 12 weeks in both groups as an exploratory outcome. Participants using the Slip Buddy app provided feedback on how to improve it during the postintervention focus groups. RESULTS A total of 75% (48/64) of the participants were female and, on average, 39.8 (SD 11.0) years old with a mean BMI of 34.2 (SD 4.9) kg/m2. Retention was high in both conditions, with 97% (31/32) retained in the Slip Buddy condition and 94% (30/32) retained in the calorie tracking condition. On average, participants used the Slip Buddy app on 53.8% (SD 31.3%) of days, which was not significantly different from those using the calorie tracking app (mean 57.5%, SD 28.4% of days), and participants who recorded slips (30/32, 94%) logged on average 17.9 (SD 14.4) slips in 12 weeks. The most common slips occurred during snack times (220/538, 40.9%). Slips most often occurred at home (297/538, 55.2%), while working (153/538, 28.4%), while socializing (130/538, 24.2%), or during screen time (123/538, 22.9%). The conditions did not differ in participants’ ratings of how their assigned app was tedious, taxing, or time consuming (all values of P>.05), but the calorie tracking condition gave their app higher helpfulness and usability ratings (all values of P<.05). Technical issues were the most common type of negative feedback, whereas simplicity was the most common type of positive feedback. Weight losses of ≥5% of baseline weight were achieved by 31% (10/32) of Slip Buddy participants and 34% (11/32) of calorie tracking participants. CONCLUSIONS Self-monitoring of dietary lapses and the contextual factors associated with them may be an alternative for people who do not prefer calorie tracking. Future research should examine patient characteristics associated with adherence to different forms of dietary self-monitoring. CLINICALTRIAL Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02615171; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02615171.

scholarly journals Slip Buddy App for Weight Management: Randomized Feasibility Trial of a Dietary Lapse Tracking App

10.2196/24249 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e24249
Author(s):  
Sherry Pagoto ◽  
Bengisu Tulu ◽  
Molly E Waring ◽  
Jared Goetz ◽  
Jessica Bibeau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Common Type ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Tracking Condition

Background Although calorie tracking is one of the strongest predictors of weight loss in behavioral weight loss interventions, low rates of adherence are common. Objective This study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of using the Slip Buddy app during a 12-week web-based weight loss program. Methods We conducted a randomized pilot trial to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using the Slip Buddy app compared with a popular commercial calorie tracking app during a counselor-led, web-based behavioral weight loss intervention. Adults who were overweight or obese were recruited on the web and randomized into a 12-week web-based weight loss intervention that included either the Slip Buddy app or a commercial calorie tracking app. Feasibility outcomes included retention, app use, usability, slips reported, and contextual factors reported at slips. Acceptability outcomes included ratings of how helpful, tedious, taxing, time consuming, and burdensome using the assigned app was. We described weight change from baseline to 12 weeks in both groups as an exploratory outcome. Participants using the Slip Buddy app provided feedback on how to improve it during the postintervention focus groups. Results A total of 75% (48/64) of the participants were female and, on average, 39.8 (SD 11.0) years old with a mean BMI of 34.2 (SD 4.9) kg/m2. Retention was high in both conditions, with 97% (31/32) retained in the Slip Buddy condition and 94% (30/32) retained in the calorie tracking condition. On average, participants used the Slip Buddy app on 53.8% (SD 31.3%) of days, which was not significantly different from those using the calorie tracking app (mean 57.5%, SD 28.4% of days), and participants who recorded slips (30/32, 94%) logged on average 17.9 (SD 14.4) slips in 12 weeks. The most common slips occurred during snack times (220/538, 40.9%). Slips most often occurred at home (297/538, 55.2%), while working (153/538, 28.4%), while socializing (130/538, 24.2%), or during screen time (123/538, 22.9%). The conditions did not differ in participants’ ratings of how their assigned app was tedious, taxing, or time consuming (all values of P>.05), but the calorie tracking condition gave their app higher helpfulness and usability ratings (all values of P<.05). Technical issues were the most common type of negative feedback, whereas simplicity was the most common type of positive feedback. Weight losses of ≥5% of baseline weight were achieved by 31% (10/32) of Slip Buddy participants and 34% (11/32) of calorie tracking participants. Conclusions Self-monitoring of dietary lapses and the contextual factors associated with them may be an alternative for people who do not prefer calorie tracking. Future research should examine patient characteristics associated with adherence to different forms of dietary self-monitoring. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02615171; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02615171

scholarly journals Long-Term Evaluation of Counselor Efficiency at Providing Feedback in a Technology-Based Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Fahey ◽  
Robert C. Klesges ◽  
Mehmet Kocak ◽  
Leslie Gladney ◽  
Gerald W. Talcott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Electronic Mail ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Monitoring Data ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Future Technology ◽  
Study Implementation ◽  
Weight Loss Interventions

BACKGROUND Feedback for participants’ self-monitoring is a crucial, and costly, component of technology-based weight loss interventions. Detailed examination of interventionist time when reviewing and providing feedback for online self-monitoring data is unknown. OBJECTIVE Study purpose was to longitudinally examine time counselors spent providing feedback on participant self-monitoring data (i.e., diet, physical activity, weight) in a 12-month technology-based weight loss intervention. We hypothesized that counselors would deliver feedback to participants more quickly over time. METHODS Time counselors (N=10) spent reviewing and providing feedback to participants via electronic mail (e-email) was longitudinally examined for all counselors across the three years of study implementation. Descriptives were observed for counselor feedback duration across counselors by 12 annual quarters (i.e., three-month periods). Differences in overall duration times by each consecutive annual quarter were analyzed using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS There was a decrease in counselor feedback duration from first to second quarter [Mean (M) = 53 to 46 minutes], and from second to third (M= 46 to 30). A trend suggested a decrease from third to fourth quarters (M = 30 to 26), but no changes were found in subsequent quarters. Consistent with hypothesis, counselors increased their efficiency in providing feedback. Across 12-months, mean time counselors needed to review participant self-monitoring and provide feedback decreased from 53 to 26 minutes. CONCLUSIONS Counselors needed increasingly less time to review online self-monitoring data and provide feedback after the initial nine months of study implementation. Results inform counselor costs for future technology-based behavioral weight loss interventions. For example, regardless of increasing counselor efficiency, 25-30 minutes per feedback message is a high cost for interventions. One possibility for reducing costs would be generating computer-automated feedback. CLINICALTRIAL NCT02063178

The Impact of Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose on a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. McAndrew ◽  
Melissa A. Napolitano ◽  
Leonard M. Pogach ◽  
Karen S. Quigley ◽  
Kerri Leh Shantz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Adapting evidence-based behavioral weight loss programs for emerging adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 870-887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Gokee LaRose ◽  
Deborah F Tate ◽  
Autumn Lanoye ◽  
Joseph L Fava ◽  
Elissa Jelalian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Weight Losses ◽  
Weight Loss Programs ◽  
Intent To Treat

Emerging adults are at high risk of obesity but behavioral weight loss programs do not meet their needs. Emerging adults ( N = 52, age = 22.3 ± 2 years, body mass index = 34.2 ± 5.5 kg/m2, 46.2% non-Hispanic White) were randomly assigned to one of three behavioral weight loss programs adapted based on formative work: face-to-face behavioral weight loss, web-based behavioral weight loss, or web plus optional community sessions (Hybrid). Assessments occurred at 0 and 3 months. Engagement and self-monitoring were highest in Hybrid. Intent-to-treat weight losses were −2.8 ± 2.9 percent in face-to-face behavioral weight loss, −2.2 ± 4.5 percent in web-based behavioral weight loss, and 4.8 ± 4.9 percent in Hybrid. Percent achieving ⩾5 percent weight loss was highest in Hybrid (63%). Findings suggest potential for adapted behavioral weight loss to promote engagement and weight loss in emerging adults.

scholarly journals Comparing Self-Monitoring Strategies for Weight Loss in a Smartphone App: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele L Patel ◽  
Christina M Hopkins ◽  
Taylor L Brooks ◽  
Gary G Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Randomized Controlled

BACKGROUND Self-monitoring of dietary intake is a valuable component of behavioral weight loss treatment; however, it declines quickly, thereby resulting in suboptimal treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine a novel behavioral weight loss intervention that aims to attenuate the decline in dietary self-monitoring engagement. METHODS GoalTracker was an automated randomized controlled trial. Participants were adults with overweight or obesity (n=105; aged 21-65 years; body mass index, BMI, 25-45 kg/m2) and were randomized to a 12-week stand-alone weight loss intervention using the MyFitnessPal smartphone app for daily self-monitoring of either (1) both weight and diet, with weekly lessons, action plans, and feedback (Simultaneous); (2) weight through week 4, then added diet, with the same behavioral components (Sequential); or (3) only diet (App-Only). All groups received a goal to lose 5% of initial weight by 12 weeks, a tailored calorie goal, and automated in-app reminders. Participants were recruited via online and offline methods. Weight was collected in-person at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months using calibrated scales and via self-report at 6 months. We retrieved objective self-monitoring engagement data from MyFitnessPal using an application programming interface. Engagement was defined as the number of days per week in which tracking occurred, with diet entries counted if ≥800 kcal per day. Other assessment data were collected in-person via online self-report questionnaires. RESULTS At baseline, participants (84/100 female) had a mean age (SD) of 42.7 (11.7) years and a BMI of 31.9 (SD 4.5) kg/m2. One-third (33/100) were from racial or ethnic minority groups. During the trial, 5 participants became ineligible. Of the remaining 100 participants, 84% (84/100) and 76% (76/100) completed the 1-month and 3-month visits, respectively. In intent-to-treat analyses, there was no difference in weight change at 3 months between the Sequential arm (mean −2.7 kg, 95% CI −3.9 to −1.5) and either the App-Only arm (−2.4 kg, −3.7 to −1.2; P=.78) or the Simultaneous arm (−2.8 kg, −4.0 to −1.5; P=.72). The median number of days of self-monitoring diet per week was 1.9 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.3-5.5) in Sequential (once began), 5.3 (IQR 1.8-6.7) in Simultaneous, and 2.9 (IQR 1.2-5.2) in App-Only. Weight was tracked 4.8 (IQR 1.9-6.3) days per week in Sequential and 5.1 (IQR 1.8-6.3) days per week in Simultaneous. Engagement in neither diet nor weight tracking differed between arms. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of the order in which diet is tracked, using tailored goals and a commercial mobile app can produce clinically significant weight loss. Stand-alone digital health treatments may be a viable option for those looking for a lower intensity approach. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03254953; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03254953 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/72PyQrFjn).

scholarly journals Defining Valid Activity Monitor Data: A Multimethod Analysis of Weight-Loss Intervention Participants’ Barriers to Wear and First 100 Days of Physical Activity

Informatics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Stephanie L. Orstad ◽  
Lauren Gerchow ◽  
Nikhil R. Patel ◽  
Meghana Reddy ◽  
Christina Hernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Activity Monitor ◽  
Accelerometer Data ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
Monitor Data

Despite the popularity of commercially available wearable activity monitors (WAMs), there is a paucity of consistent methodology for analyzing large amounts of accelerometer data from these devices. This multimethod study aimed to inform appropriate Fitbit wear thresholds for physical activity (PA) outcomes assessment in a sample of 616 low-income, majority Latina patients with obesity enrolled in a behavioral weight-loss intervention. Secondly, this study aimed to understand intervention participants’ barriers to Fitbit use. We applied a heart rate (HR) criterion (≥10 h/day) and a step count (SC) criterion (≥1000 steps/day) to 100 days of continuous activity monitor data. We examined the prevalence of valid wear and PA outcomes between analytic subgroups of participants who met the HR criterion, SC criterion, or both. We undertook qualitative analysis of research staff notes and participant interviews to explore barriers to valid Fitbit data collection. Overall, one in three participants did not meet the SC criterion for valid wear in Weeks 1 and 13; however, we found the SC criterion to be more inclusive of participants who did not use a smartphone than the HR criterion. Older age, higher body mass index (BMI), barriers to smartphone use, device storage issues, and negative emotional responses to WAM-based self-monitoring may predict higher proportions of invalid WAM data in weight-loss intervention research.

scholarly journals A web-based intervention to increase weight loss treatment initiation: results of a cluster randomized feasibility and acceptability trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan A McVay ◽  
William S Yancy ◽  
Gary G Bennett ◽  
Erica Levine ◽  
Seung-Hye Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Treatment Initiation ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Loss Treatment ◽  
Primary Care Patients ◽  
Cluster Randomized

Abstract Evidence-based behavioral weight loss treatment is under-utilized. To increase initiation of treatment, we developed a single-session, online, primary care-based intervention (“mobilization tool”). We evaluated the mobilization tool's acceptability for primary care patients with obesity, trial design feasibility, and signal of an effect of the tool on treatment initiation. In this cluster randomized feasibility trial, primary care providers (PCPs) were randomized to a mobilization tool or comparator tool arm. Patients with obesity and a scheduled appointment with a randomized PCP were assigned to complete the mobilization or comparator tool prior to their appointment. The online mobilization tool asks patients to answer questions about a variety of weight-related topics and then provides automated, tailored feedback that addresses psychosocial determinants of weight loss treatment initiation. The comparator tool provided a nontailored description of treatments. All participants were offered free enrollment in behavioral weight loss treatments. Six PCPs were randomized. Sixty patients (57% female; 66% white; aged 55 ± 13 years) participated in this study of 296 contacted for eligibility evaluation (20.2%). Six-month follow-up assessments were completed by 65% (22/34) of the mobilization and 73% (19/26) of comparator tool participants. Participants completing the acceptability survey reported that the mobilization tool was usable, enjoyable, informative, and useful. Weight loss treatment was initiated by 59% (n = 19) of mobilization and 33% (n = 8) of comparator tool participants. The mobilization tool shows promise for increasing treatment initiation among primary care patients, which may increase population weight loss. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02708121.

Abstract P249: A Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention is Effective for Change in CVD Risk Factors in Young Adults: The IDEA Study

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 131 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John M Jakicic ◽  
Kelliann K Davis ◽  
Bethany Barone Gibbs ◽  
Diane Helsel ◽  
Wendy C King ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention

Introduction: Few studies have examined behavioral weight loss interventions with respect to change in cardiovascular disease risk factors in young adults (aged 18 to 35 years). Hypothesis: We tested the hypothesis that a 6 month behavioral weight loss intervention resulted in significant improvements in selective cardiovascular disease risk factors in young adults. Methods: Data are presented as median [25 th , 75 th percentiles]. 470 participants (age: 30.9 [27.8, 33.7] years); BMI: 31.2 [28.4, 34.3] kg/m 2 ) were enrolled in a 6 month behavioral weight loss intervention that included weekly group sessions and prescribed an energy restricted diet and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Assessments included weight using a standardized protocol, resting blood pressure, and fasting lipids, glucose, and insulin. Statistical significance of change was according to tests of symmetry or the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed ranks test. Results: The primary outcome (weight) was available for 424 of the 470 participants (90.2%). Weight significantly decreased (-7.8 kg [-12.2, -3.7]) (p<0.0001). Systolic (-4.0 mmHg [-8.5, 0.5] and diastolic blood pressure (-3.0 mmHg [-6.5, 1.0]) decreased (p<0.0001). Total cholesterol (-13 mg/dl [-28.0, 2.0]), LDL cholesterol (-9.5 mg/dl [-21.7, 2.0]), triglycerides (-8.5 mg/dl [-44.0, 9.0]), glucose (-4.0 mg/dl [-8.0, 1.0]), and insulin (-2.6 mIU/L [-5.9, 0.7]) decreased (p<0.0001, n=416). There was not a significant change in HDL cholesterol (p=0.72). Conclusions: In conclusion, after 6 months, weight loss was observed in young adults assigned to this behavioral intervention that focused on physical activity and diet modification. They tended to also have improved cardiovascular disease risk factors. This may demonstrate an approach to reducing cardiovascular disease risk in young adults. Supported by NIH (U01HL096770) and AHA (12BGIA9410032)

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