Adherence
A mobile phone-operated weight-loss program utilizing text messaging for daily weight reporting and immediate tailored feedback significantly improves short- and long-term weight loss and waist circumference reduction compared to no intervention in healthy overweight adults.
To use this method, you need a mobile phone and internet access. Enroll in a program that sends you daily text messages asking for your weight. You will receive immediate, personalized feedback on how much to eat based on your progress. Expect to contact the program frequently (several times a week) initially, as higher contact frequency predicts better weight loss. Adjust your target weight every few months as you progress.
By 12 months the experimental group had lost significantly more weight than the control group (4.5 (SD 5.0) v. 1.1 (SD 5.8) kg; F(1,80) = 8.0, P = 0.006) and had a greater reduction in waist circumference (6.3 (SD 5.3) v. 2.4 (SD 5.4) cm; F(1,80) = 55.2, P = 0.0001).
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with a reasonable sample size (n=125) and 12-month follow-up, though attrition was significant (35%).
Source
Weight loss by mobile phone: a 1-year effectiveness study
Irja Haapala et al. · Public Health Nutrition · 2009
DOI 10.1017/s1368980009005230
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