Frequency of self-weighing and weight loss outcomes within a brief lifestyle intervention targeting emerging adults

Frequent self-weighing is associated with better weight loss and maintenance among adults. Emerging adults ages 18-25 rarely enroll in behavioural weight loss trials, and thus, little is known about their willingness to engage in frequent self-weighing and its association with weight loss in this age group.

The purpose of this study is to examine the frequency of self-weighing among 18-25-year-old over the course of a brief lifestyle intervention and to determine the association between frequent self-weighing and weight loss.

Emerging adults (EA) ages 18-25 [N = 52, 54% racial/ethnic minority, 79% female, BMI = 34.2 (5.4)] enrolled in a 3-month lifestyle intervention with structure and content modified for EA. Benefits of frequent self-weighing were presented; participants were encouraged to weigh themselves at least weekly and no more than daily. Assessments occurred at baseline and post-treatment (3 months).

At baseline, a majority of participants (63.5%) reported self-weighing less than once a week. Frequency of self-weighing increased over treatment (p < 0.001), with 42.9% weighing weekly and 38.2% weighing several times per week or more (i.e. frequent self-weighing) at 3 months. Frequent self-weighing was associated with greater weight loss (p = 0.03) and greater likelihood of achieving 5% weight loss (p = 0.01) at post-treatment.

Frequent self-weighing may be a viable approach to promoting self-regulation during the high-risk developmental period of emerging adulthood. Consistent with findings among other adult samples, frequent self-weighing was associated with greater weight losses.