The daily Self-Weighing for Obesity Management in Primary Care Study: Rationale, design and methodology

Area of Science:

• Clinical Research
• Obesity Medicine
• Preventive Healthcare

Background:

• Daily self-weighing (DSW) is a potential harm-reduction strategy to mitigate weight gain.
• Adults with obesity often experience continued age-related weight gain.
• Primary care settings are crucial for implementing weight management interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of DSW in deterring age-related weight gain in adults with obesity.
• To assess the impact of DSW on weight management practices.
• To determine the cost-effectiveness of DSW compared to standard care.

Main Methods:

• A 24-month randomized controlled trial involving 400 adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30).
• Intervention group received DSW with a digital scale and feedback; control group received standard care and a gift card.
• Both groups received standardized weight management educational materials.

Main Results:

• The study aims to test the causal effect of DSW assignment and adherence on weight outcomes.
• Secondary outcomes include the adoption of weight management practices.
• Cost-effectiveness analysis will compare DSW to standard care.

Conclusions:

• Findings may inform clinical guidelines for weight management in primary care.
• DSW shows promise as a scalable intervention to attenuate age-related weight gain.
• Evidence from this trial will support the integration of DSW into obesity management strategies.