Effect of weight-loss program using self-weighing twice a day and feedback in overweight and obese subject: A randomized controlled trial

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of self-weighing twice a day with a supportive program installed on a body composition monitor in overweight adults.SubjectsSixty adults with BMI > 24 kg/m2 were randomly assigned to either a group that weighed themselves once per day (group 1, n = 30) or a group that weighed themselves twice per day (group 2, n = 30).InterventionGroup 1 was instructed to self-weigh at the same time once per day and group 2 was instructed to self-weigh immediately after waking up in the morning and immediately before going to bed every day for twelve weeks. In addition, participants in group 2 was received the daily target setting during morning weighing and the difference between the measured weight and the target weight during bedtime weighing.ResultsAverage weight reduction in group 1 was significantly lower than that in group 2 (1.0 ± 1.4 kg vs. 2.7 ± 2.1 kg, p < 0.05). The proportion of participants who lost ≧5% of their pre-program weight in group 2 was significantly higher than that in group 1 (28.6% vs. 3.6%, p < 0.05).ConclusionA self-weighing twice per day plus daily target setting and feedback is more effective in promoting weight loss than once-daily self-measurement.