Predictors and Outcomes of Digital Weighing and Activity Tracking Lapses Among Young Adults During Weight Gain Prevention

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2021 Apr;29(4):698-705. doi: 10.1002/oby.23123.

Abstract

Objectives: Self-monitoring is critical for weight management, but little is known about lapses in the use of digital self-monitoring. The objectives of this study were to examine whether lapses in self-weighing and wearing activity trackers are associated with weight and activity outcomes and to identify objective predictors of lapses.

Methods: Participants (N = 160, BMI = 25.5 ± 3.3 kg/m2 , 33.1 ± 4.6 years old) were drawn from a sample of young adults in the Study of Novel Approaches to Prevention-Extension (SNAP-E) weight gain prevention trial. Analyses evaluated associations between weighing and tracker lapses and changes in weight and steps/day during the first 90 days after receiving a smart scale and activity tracker.

Results: On average, participants self-weighed 49.6% of days and wore activity trackers 75.2% of days. Every 1-day increase in a weighing lapse was associated with a 0.06-lb gain. Lapses in tracker wear were not associated with changes in steps/day or weight between wear days. Weight gain predicted a higher likelihood of starting a lapse in weighing and tracker wear, whereas lower steps predicted a higher likelihood of a tracker lapse.

Conclusions: Weight gain may discourage adherence to self-monitoring. Future research could examine just-in-time supports to anticipate and reduce the frequency or length of self-monitoring lapses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fitness Trackers / standards*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weight Gain / physiology*