Predictors and Outcomes of Digital Weighing and Activity Tracking Lapses Among Young Adults During Weight Gain Prevention

Abstract

Objectives: Self-monitoring is critical for weight management, but little is known about lapses in the use of digital self-monitoring. The objectives of this study were to examine whether lapses in self-weighing and wearing activity trackers are associated with weight and activity outcomes and to identify objective predictors of lapses.

Methods: Participants (N = 160, BMI = 25.5 ± 3.3 kg/m² , 33.1 ± 4.6 years old) were drawn from a sample of young adults in the Study of Novel Approaches to Prevention-Extension (SNAP-E) weight gain prevention trial. Analyses evaluated associations between weighing and tracker lapses and changes in weight and steps/day during the first 90 days after receiving a smart scale and activity tracker.

Results: On average, participants self-weighed 49.6% of days and wore activity trackers 75.2% of days. Every 1-day increase in a weighing lapse was associated with a 0.06-lb gain. Lapses in tracker wear were not associated with changes in steps/day or weight between wear days. Weight gain predicted a higher likelihood of starting a lapse in weighing and tracker wear, whereas lower steps predicted a higher likelihood of a tracker lapse.

Conclusions: Weight gain may discourage adherence to self-monitoring. Future research could examine just-in-time supports to anticipate and reduce the frequency or length of self-monitoring lapses.

Figure 1.

Percent of participants that weighed and wore tracker each day in the first 90 days, with percentages included at Days 30, 60, and 90

Figure 2.

Percent of participants that weighed and wore tracker by day of the week