Is self-weighing an effective tool for weight loss: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

• Published in: The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity Vol. 12; no. 1; p. 104
• Main Authors: Madigan, Claire D, Daley, Amanda J, Lewis, Amanda L, Aveyard, Paul, Jolly, Kate
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central 21.08.2015; BioMed Central Ltd
• Subjects: Body Weights and Measures; Health aspects; Health behavior; Humans; Laws, regulations and rules; meta-analysis; Obesity - prevention & control; Obesity - therapy; randomized clinical trials; Review; Self Care - methods; systematic review; Weight Loss; Weight Reduction Programs
• ISSN: 1479-5868; 1479-5868
• DOI: 10.1186/s12966-015-0267-4

BACKGROUND: There is a need to identify effective behavioural strategies for weight loss. Self-weighing may be one such strategy. PURPOSE: To examine the effectiveness of self-weighing for weight loss. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials that included self-weighing as an isolated intervention or as a component within an intervention. We used sub groups to analyse differences in frequency of weighing instruction (daily and weekly) and also whether including accountability affected weight loss. RESULTS: Only one study examined self-weighing as a single strategy and there was no evidence it was effective (-0.5 kg 95 % CI -1.3 to 0.3). Four trials added self-weighing/self-regulation techniques to multi-component programmes and resulted in a significant difference of -1.7 kg (95 % CI -2.6 to -0.8). Fifteen trials comparing multi-component interventions including self-weighing compared with no intervention or minimal control resulted in a significant mean difference of -3.4 kg (95 % CI -4.2 to -2.6). There was no significant difference in the interventions with weekly or daily weighing. In trials which included accountability there was significantly greater weight loss (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of evidence of whether advising self-weighing without other intervention components is effective. Adding self-weighing to a behavioural weight loss programme may improve weight loss. Behavioural weight loss programmes that include self-weighing are more effective than minimal interventions. Accountability may improve the effectiveness of interventions that include self-weighing.