Research on the Benefits of Tracking
Key Research Studies
A systematic review of the use of dietary self-monitoring in behavioural weight loss interventions: delivery, intensity and effectiveness
We identified self-monitoring implementation characteristics, effectiveness of interventions in supporting weight loss and examined weight loss outcomes among higher and lower intensity dietary self-monitoring protocols. Included studies utilised diverse self-monitoring formats (paper, website, mobile app, phone) and intensity levels (recording all intake or only certain aspects of diet). We found the majority of studies using high- and low-intensity self-monitoring strategies demonstrated statistically significant weight loss in intervention groups compared with control groups.
Raber M et al., Public Health Nutrition, 2021
Self-Monitoring via Digital Health in Weight Loss Interventions: A Systematic Review Among Adults with Overweight or Obesity
Thirty-nine studies from 2009 to 2019 met inclusion criteria. Among the 67 interventions with digital self-monitoring, weight was tracked in 72% of them, diet in 81%, and physical activity in 82%. Websites were the most common self-monitoring modality, followed by mobile applications, wearables, electronic scales, and, finally, text messaging. Few interventions had digital self-monitoring engagement rates ≥ 75% of days. Rates were higher in digital- than in paper-based arms in 21 out of 34 comparisons and lower in just 2. Interventions with counseling had similar rates to standalone interventions. Greater digital self-monitoring was linked to weight loss in 74% of occurrences.
Patel et al., Obesity, 2021
Weight Loss During the Intensive Intervention Phase of the Weight-Loss Maintenance Trial
Participants were 44% African American and 67% women; 79% were obese (BMI≥30), 87% were taking anti-hypertensive medications, and 38% were taking antidyslipidemia medications. Participants attended an average of 72% of 20 group sessions. They self-reported 117 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, kept 3.7 daily food records per week, and consumed 2.9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. The Phase-I follow-up rate was 92%. Mean (SD) weight change was -5.8 kg (4.4), and 69% lost at least 4 kg. All race-gender subgroups lost substantial weight: African-American men (-5.4 kg ± 7.7); African-American women (-4.1 kg ± 2.9); non-African-American men (-8.5 kg ± 12.9); and non-African-American women (-5.8 kg ± 6.1). Behavioral measures (e.g., diet records and physical activity) accounted for most of the weight-loss variation, although the association between behavioral measures and weight loss differed by race and gender groups.
Hollis et al., American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2008
Log Often, Lose More: Electronic Dietary Self-Monitoring for Weight Loss
Dietary self-monitoring is consistently related to both short- and long-term weight loss. The purpose of this study was to quantify the time spent and the daily frequency of self-monitoring necessary for weight-loss success... The frequency of self-monitoring is significantly related to weight loss, with the time needed to be successful diminishing during the intervention.
Harvey et al., Obesity, 2019