Comparison of Weight Loss Among Overweight Adults in a Group Weight Loss Program with BodyMedia Technology
Sui X, Meriwether R, Hand G, Wilcox S, Dowda M, Blair S. Electronic Feedback in a Diet and Physical Activity-Based Lifestyle Intervention for Weight Loss: Randomized Controlled Trial. Presented at the AHA 50th Annual Joint Conference: Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention. San Francisco, CA. 2010.
Objective
To compare weight loss results among overweight adults enrolled in either a group weight loss program with or without a BodyMedia Armband or who are trying to lose weight on their own.
Methodology
197 overweight or obese adults (47 years old ± 11 years) were recruited to participate in a 9 month study. Participants were placed at random into one of four groups: a group weight loss program, group weight loss program + Armband, Armband alone group, or a control. People who were in a group weight loss program received 15 one-hour group sessions where they were taught healthy eating and physical activity habits. Participants in the Armband groups received a BodyMedia Armband and Display Device as well as access to an online website where they could upload the Armband and view activity data and enter nutrition information from meals. Those randomized to the Armband alone and control groups received no additional coaching or phone calls after the start of the study. All groups, including the control group, received a weight loss booklet.
Results
People who used the BodyMedia Armband as part of a group weight loss program lost 3x more weight (or 5lbs more) than those on their own at 4 months. Those who used the Armband on their own without group sessions lost more than more than 2x as much weight as the control.
Conclusion
Using the BodyMedia Armband as part of an organized group weight loss program or in your own self-directed weight loss plan has been proven to help you lose more weight than without the technology.
