Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
05:10
Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
The accuracy of weight reported in a web-based obesity treatment program
Jean Harvey-Berino1, Rebecca A Krukowski, Paul Buzzell
1Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA. jharvey@uvm.edu
Summary
Self-reported weight accuracy in a 6-month internet-based obesity program is high. Weight change estimation using self-reported data is comparable to observed data, making it suitable for web-based weight loss interventions.
Area of Science:
- Obesity research
- Behavioral science
- Digital health
Background:
- Accurate weight monitoring is crucial for effective obesity treatment.
- Web-based interventions offer scalable solutions for weight management.
- The reliability of self-reported weight data in such programs requires validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of self-reported weight compared to observed weight.
- To evaluate self-reported weight accuracy over a 6-month internet-based obesity program.
- To determine factors influencing weight reporting accuracy.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 323 participants in a 6-month internet-based weight loss program.
- Participants were assigned to fully online or hybrid online/in-person sessions.
- Observed and self-reported weights were collected at baseline and 6 months.
Main Results:
- Self-reported weights were highly correlated with observed weights (r=0.996) at 6 months.
- Self-reported weight underestimated observed weight by 0.86 kg, but weight change estimation was comparable.
- Higher weight loss correlated with more accurate self-reported weight estimation.
Conclusions:
- Self-reported weight accuracy is generally high in internet-based obesity programs.
- Periodic in-person assessments did not significantly improve reporting accuracy.
- Self-reported weight change is a suitable metric for web-based obesity treatment programs.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
In the United States, obesity is a prominent concern. It is linked to heightened mortality rates due to increased occurrences of conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and diabetes compared to nonobese individuals. A patient is classified as obese if their actual body weight surpasses the ideal or desirable body weight by 20%, based on Metropolitan Life Insurance Company data. Ideal body weights consider average weights and heights for males and females...
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...
01:24Obesity
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
01:25Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Obesity significantly alters the pharmacokinetic processes of drug absorption and distribution, presenting unique challenges in medical treatment. The increased fat tissue and decreased lean muscle in obese individuals can significantly affect how drugs are absorbed into the body and distributed across different tissues. This alteration can lead to variances in the effectiveness and safety of medications, necessitating adjustments in dosing or drug selection for obese patients.One notable...
01:25Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial clinical procedure in diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions. Despite its significance, the accuracy of blood pressure measurements can be compromised by multiple factors, potentially leading to either falsely high or low readings. These inaccuracies are critical as they can significantly impact patient care. So, it is vital to understand these challenges deeply and adopt strategic approaches to minimize errors.
Several factors...
Several factors...