UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Yon, Bethany Ann
Title:
Dept./Program:
Nutritional and Food Sciences
Year:
2005
Degree:
MS
Abstract:
Objectives: The goal of this study was to investigate whether participants in a behavioral weight loss program using a personal digital assistant (PDA) for dietary self-monitoring would self-monitor their food/beverage intake more frequently in comparison with controls using the traditional paperlpencil method, and subsequently lose more weight at the end of a 24-week treatment program. A secondary goal of this study was to investigate whether the use of a PDA for dietary self-monitoring would improve the validity of self-reported energy intake. Design: Overweight and obese adults (BMI 25-39.9) were recruited from southern Vermont by local advertisements. Online screening and telephone interviews confirmed eligibility. Subjects were provided with a PalmZire 21 loaded with Calorie King's Diet Diary software. They participated in a 24-week in-person behavioral weight control program and were asked to self-monitor their diet and exercise habits using the PDA. Their self-monitoring habits and weight loss were compared with the results of a previous behavioral weight control program which followed the same protocol where diet and exercise records were kept using a small paper diary. To categorize low-energy reporters, valid reporters and over-reporters, Goldberg's equations yielded individual cutoff values of 1.06-2.29. As subjects were actively losing weight, Bandini's adjustments were used to correct self-reported energy intake for weight loss. Subjects: 61 people (n=5 males) were recruited for the PDA group with 56 completing all measures at 6 months. The control group consisted of 115 people (n=19 males), with 93 subjects completing all measures at 6 months.
Assessments: Baseline and six month measures included: body weight, dietary intake (FFQ), physical activity (Paffenbarger) computer and PDA comfort levels. Weekly attendance, program adherence and reported caloric intake were tracked. Social support measures were also assessed at six months. Results: No significant differences were found between groups for weight loss (Paper 15.8±11.5 Ibs, PDA 13.9±13.4, p=0.38), nor dietary self-monitoring (Paper 57.2%±30%, PDA 51.8%±35%, p=0.32). The frequency of dietary self-monitoring was strongly correlated to weight loss (R²=0.32), however there were no differences between groups. 41% of the subjects were categorized as low-energy reporters, 57% valid reporters and 2% over-reporters. The group's mean cutoff values were 1.47-1.66. The group mean (rEI:RMR)=1.23 (n=42), falling below the cut-off value for valid reporting. Conclusions: While the use of a PDA did not improve the frequency or validity of dietary self-monitoring and weight loss, more frequent self-monitoring correlated with weight loss. As the use of a PDA was equivalent to more traditional forms of dietary self-monitoring, people seeking to lose weight should be encouraged to self-monitor and be matched with a mode of self-monitoring that is fitting to their lifestyle and skills.
Assessments: Baseline and six month measures included: body weight, dietary intake (FFQ), physical activity (Paffenbarger) computer and PDA comfort levels. Weekly attendance, program adherence and reported caloric intake were tracked. Social support measures were also assessed at six months. Results: No significant differences were found between groups for weight loss (Paper 15.8±11.5 Ibs, PDA 13.9±13.4, p=0.38), nor dietary self-monitoring (Paper 57.2%±30%, PDA 51.8%±35%, p=0.32). The frequency of dietary self-monitoring was strongly correlated to weight loss (R²=0.32), however there were no differences between groups. 41% of the subjects were categorized as low-energy reporters, 57% valid reporters and 2% over-reporters. The group's mean cutoff values were 1.47-1.66. The group mean (rEI:RMR)=1.23 (n=42), falling below the cut-off value for valid reporting. Conclusions: While the use of a PDA did not improve the frequency or validity of dietary self-monitoring and weight loss, more frequent self-monitoring correlated with weight loss. As the use of a PDA was equivalent to more traditional forms of dietary self-monitoring, people seeking to lose weight should be encouraged to self-monitor and be matched with a mode of self-monitoring that is fitting to their lifestyle and skills.