The efficacy of a daily self‐weighing weight loss intervention using smart scales and e‐mail

ObjectiveTo examine the impact of a weight loss intervention that focused on daily self‐weighing for self‐monitoring as compared to a delayed control group among 91 overweight adults.Design and MethodsThe 6‐month intervention included a cellular‐connected “smart” scale for daily weighing, web‐based weight loss graph, and weekly e‐mails with tailored feedback and lessons. An objective measure of self‐weighing frequency was obtained. Weight was measured in clinic at 3 and 6 months. Caloric intake and expenditure, and perceptions of daily self‐weighing were also measured.ResultsUsing intent‐to‐treat analyses, the intervention group lost significantly more weight compared to the control group [mean (95% CI); 3 months: −4.41% (−5.5, −3.3) vs. −0.37% (−1.5, 0.76); 6 months: −6.55% (−7.7, −5.4) vs. −0.35% (−1.5, 0.79); group × time interaction: P < 0.001] and a greater percentage achieved 5% (42.6% vs. 6.8%; P < 0.0001) and 10% (27.7% vs. 0%; P < 0.0001) weight loss. On average, the intervention group self‐weighed more days/week (6.1 ± 1.1 vs. 1.1 ± 1.5; P < 0.0001) and consumed fewer calories/day compared to the control group [mean (95% CI); 6 months: 1,509 (1,291, 1,728) vs. 1,856 (1,637, 2,074); group × time interaction: P = 0.006]. Among intervention participants, daily self‐weighing was perceived positively.ConclusionsThese results indicate that an intervention focusing on daily self‐weighing can produce clinically significant weight loss.