Carol Shieh1, Mitchell R Knisely2, Daniel Clark3, Janet S Carpenter4. 1. Department of Community and Health Systems, Indiana University School of Nursing, 600 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States. Electronic address: wshieh@iu.edu. 2. Center for Nursing Research and Scholarship, Indiana University School of Nursing, 600 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States. Electronic address: mrknisel@iupui.edu. 3. Center for Aging Research and Regenstrief Institute, Inc, United States; Eskenazi Office of Applied Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, United States. Electronic address: daniclar@iu.edu. 4. Center for Nursing Research and Scholarship, Indiana University School of Nursing, 600 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States. Electronic address: carpentj@iu.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Self-weighing increases a person's self-awareness of current weight and weight patterns. Increased self-weighing frequency can help an individual prevent weight gain. Literature, however, is limited in describing variability in self-weighing strategies and how the variability is associated with weight management outcomes. AIM: This review analyzed self-weighing in weight management interventions and the effects of self-weighing on weight and other outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-two articles from PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, and Academic Search Premier were extracted for review. RESULTS: These 22 articles reported findings from 19 intervention trials, mostly on weight loss or weight gain prevention. The majority of the reviewed articles reported interventions that combined self-weighing with other self-monitoring strategies (64%), adopted daily self-weighing frequency (84%), and implemented interventions up to six months (59%). One-half of the articles mentioned that technology-enhanced or regular weight scales were given to study participants. Of the articles that provided efficacy data, 75% of self-weighing-only interventions and 67% of combined interventions demonstrated improved weight outcomes. No negative psychological effects were found. CONCLUSIONS: Self-weighing is likely to improve weight outcomes, particularly when performed daily or weekly, without causing untoward adverse effects. Weight management interventions could consider including this strategy.
BACKGROUND: Self-weighing increases a person's self-awareness of current weight and weight patterns. Increased self-weighing frequency can help an individual prevent weight gain. Literature, however, is limited in describing variability in self-weighing strategies and how the variability is associated with weight management outcomes. AIM: This review analyzed self-weighing in weight management interventions and the effects of self-weighing on weight and other outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-two articles from PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, and Academic Search Premier were extracted for review. RESULTS: These 22 articles reported findings from 19 intervention trials, mostly on weight loss or weight gain prevention. The majority of the reviewed articles reported interventions that combined self-weighing with other self-monitoring strategies (64%), adopted daily self-weighing frequency (84%), and implemented interventions up to six months (59%). One-half of the articles mentioned that technology-enhanced or regular weight scales were given to study participants. Of the articles that provided efficacy data, 75% of self-weighing-only interventions and 67% of combined interventions demonstrated improved weight outcomes. No negative psychological effects were found. CONCLUSIONS: Self-weighing is likely to improve weight outcomes, particularly when performed daily or weekly, without causing untoward adverse effects. Weight management interventions could consider including this strategy.
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