A randomized pilot trial of a tailored, reduced-frequency approach to dietary self-monitoring for weight loss
Year: 2023
Type: dissertation
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Most lifestyle modification programs for weight loss require comprehensive and precise dietary self-monitoring (DSM). However, the high level of burden associated with these requirements may compromise DSM compliance and limit its utility for some individuals. Recent studies have identified potentially promising alternative DSM methods that reduce burden by simplifying DSM (e.g., requiring tracking of food categories rather than specific foods). Still, such methods may cause individuals to overlook important dietary contributors to excess weight. Another potential, untested strategy for reducing burden is to lower the comprehensiveness of self-monitoring and require DSM only during daily eating occasions most associated with excess caloric intake. The purpose of the current pilot trial was to evaluate this novel approach within a sample of individuals with overweight or obesity (N = 46) who received a 12-week lifestyle modification intervention. Participants were randomized at baseline to adhere to either standard DSM or a reduced-frequency DSM prescription limited to two eating occasions daily. Contrary to hypotheses, intent-to-treat weight loss was significantly lower in the reduced-frequency condition compared to the standard condition (1.4% vs. 3.2%, p = .03), and rates of DSM compliance were not meaningfully different between conditions (d = 0.23). Additionally, the effect of intervention condition on weight change was mediated by mean DSM frequency, but not DSM compliance. Overall, findings suggest that the reduced-frequency DSM prescription had poor short-term efficacy for weight loss and for improving DSM compliance, and thus other options for reducing DSM burden should continue to be explored.
DOI: 10.17918/00001779
Authors: Michael Pinzka Berry, Evan M. Forman
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Funders: Psi Chi, Drexel University
OpenAlex ID: W4387874261