The third group used the weight loss tracker as the first two groups to record their weight and food intake for three months. The study also included giving weekly lessons, action plans and feedback to the participants. These included tips on topics such as how to reduce eating sweets.
At the end of the research period, all of the participants in each group lost significant amounts of body weight. Those who recorded only what they ate lost about 5 pounds on average. Those in the second group lost an average weight of about 6 pounds.
Digital Activity Tracking Technologies
Besides weight loss trackers, digital activity trackers also seem to have weight loss benefits. Activity trackers, often worn around the wrists and hips, are designed to facilitate daytime movement. People who use these devices often are those who are physically active. However, these people do not always lose more weight than others.
A group of scientists designed a study to test whether activity trackers can help people lose weight. Study participants received weight management counseling which included diet and exercise. They also received telephone counseling, text messages, and access to online weight loss information. In just 6 months, they all lost a similar amount of weight.
Some participants also received access to portable devices and related websites to monitor their physical activity and diet. They used these devices for 24 months. Those using portable technology also lost 2-3% of their weight during the study.
One possible explanation for this difference is that users of weight loss trackers chose to reward themselves for achieving exercise goals. That is, if the tracker says they burned 400 calories or completed a certain amount of exercise, they can choose to eat dessert. This can lead to slower weight loss or even weight gain.
Learn more about Diet and Weight Loss here.
Comments
Share your thoughts
Be the first to let Hello Doctor know your thoughts!
Join Us or Log In to join the discussion