Krukowski RA, Harvey J, Borden J, Stansbury ML, West DS. Expert opinions on reducing dietary self-monitoring burden and maintaining efficacy in weight loss programs: A Delphi study.
Obes Sci Pract 2022;
8:401-410. [PMID:
35949285 PMCID:
PMC9358747 DOI:
10.1002/osp4.586]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective
Dietary self-monitoring is consistently related to both short- and long-term weight loss, but typically declines over time. Adopting an abbreviated approach to self-monitoring might reduce burden and potentially increase engagement while maintaining efficacy.
Methods
Using a Delphi-type study, experts were queried about abbreviated self-monitoring approaches that might best balance efficacy and burden and asked to identify when these approaches might best be implemented within a behavioral weight loss program. Experts were surveyed three times until consensus was reached.
Results
Experts identified three main categories of promising strategies for abbreviated self-monitoring regardless of whether individuals have been successful with weight loss or full dietary self-monitoring: (1) self-weighing only, (2) reducing the foods/beverages self-monitored to those that are often less routine and higher in caloric density, and (3) reducing the number of days per week to engage in full dietary self-monitoring. Experts recommended transitioning to abbreviated self-monitoring after 2 weeks of no self-monitoring among individuals who were struggling and after reaching 5%-10% weight loss among successful individuals.
Conclusions
These expert opinions offer a foundation to experimentally manipulate promising strategies for reducing burden and increasing long-term engagement in self-monitoring, with a goal of enhancing long-term weight control.
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