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Text4Diet: a randomized controlled study using text messaging for weight loss behaviors
Jennifer R Shapiro1, Tina Koro, Neal Doran
1Santech, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA. Jennifer@DrJenniferS.com
Preventive Medicine
|September 5, 2012
Summary
Daily text messages for weight loss showed no overall group difference, but higher adherence correlated with greater weight loss and increased daily steps. This suggests text messages may support weight management efforts.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health Interventions
- Behavioral Medicine
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Text-messaging interventions show potential for health promotion.
- Weight management remains a significant public health challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a daily text-messaging intervention for weight loss in overweight and obese adults.
- To assess the relationship between adherence to text-messaging and weight loss outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 170 overweight/obese adults.
- Comparison of daily interactive text messages versus monthly e-newsletters.
- Measurements of weight, pedometer steps, and satisfaction at baseline, 6, and 12 months.
Main Results:
- No significant group differences in weight loss at 6 or 12 months.
- Moderate to strong text-messaging adherence (60-69%).
- Greater adherence was linked to significant weight loss at 6 and 12 months (p<.05).
- Intervention group showed increased daily steps (~3000 steps/day; p<.05).
- Pedometer satisfaction correlated with greater weight loss (p<.05).
Conclusions:
- Daily text-messaging alone did not significantly impact overall weight loss.
- Adherence to text-messaging was associated with improved weight-related behaviors and outcomes.
- Text-messages may serve as a valuable supplementary tool in comprehensive weight loss programs.
