Counselor Surveillance of Digital Self-Monitoring Data: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

This pilot study tested counselor access to participants' digital self-monitoring (SM) data as a means of improving long-term lifestyle modification (LM) outcomes.

After 12 weeks of weight-loss treatment, participants (N = 77) were randomized to LM or LM+SHARE for weeks 13 to 52. All participants received monthly phone calls and weekly text messages from weeks 13 to 52 and were instructed to engage in daily digital SM of weight, eating, and exercise. In LM+SHARE, but not LM, counselors had access to SM device data. Assessments were conducted as weeks 0, 13, 26, and 52.

Retention, engagement, and treatment satisfaction were excellent. LM+SHARE participants, compared with LM, had more frequent SM of weight and eating. Weight loss continued at a similar rate in both conditions from weeks 13 to 26. From weeks 26 to 52, those in LM regained approximately 2 kg, whereas those in LM+SHARE maintained weight loss, a significant difference. Nonetheless, total weight loss did not significantly differ by condition. Engagement in dietary SM mediated the effect of condition on weight.

Counselor access to SM data is feasible and acceptable. Additional research is warranted to determine whether it can meaningfully improve outcomes.