Daily Self-weighing and Holiday-associated Weight Gain in Adults

Daily Self-weighing and Holiday-associated Weight Gain in Adults

Background: Previous studies report 0.4-1.5kg of weight gain during the holiday season, which may contribute to annual weight gain.

Purpose: To test whether daily self-weighing (DSW) can prevent holiday weight gain.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that daily self-weighing would effectively prevent weight and fat gain, and that individuals with overweight and obesity would respond most favorably to DSW.

A single-blinded randomized control trial:

Adults (age 18-75y, BMI ≥ 18.5kg/m2) were randomized to either a control or daily self-weighing (DSW) group. There were 3 testing visits: pre-holiday (v1: within 7d before Thanksgiving), post-holiday (v2: within 7d after New Year's Day), and a follow-up (v3: 14 weeks after v2). The DSW group were given Wi-Fi scales that provide graphical feedback of daily weight. They were instructed to perform DSW during the holidays and to try not to gain weight above baseline weights. Anthropometrics were measured at each visit.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI of at least 18.5 kg/m2
• Recognizing or celebrating at least two holidays between November and January
• Access to WiFi

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current eating disorder, history of an eating disorder
• Involvement in a current weight loss and/or exercise program
• Pregnancy or nursing
• Any medications or chronic diseases affecting metabolism or body weight