Changes in the Perceptions of Self‐weighing Across Time in a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention

Objective

Changes in beliefs about self‐weighing were examined across time in a behavioral weight loss intervention.

Methods

Active duty military personnel (n = 248) enrolled in a 12‐month counselor‐initiated or self‐paced intervention based on the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) Intensive Lifestyle Intervention. Using an electronic scale, participants were asked to self‐weigh daily. Self‐weighing perceptions were compared from baseline to 4 months (weight loss phase), from 4 months to 12 months (weight maintenance phase), and from baseline to 12 months (full intervention), as well as across time by behavioral and demographic characteristics.

Results

Overall, participants perceived self‐weighing as more helpful and positive, less frustrating, and making them less self‐conscious after the weight loss phase. After weight maintenance, individuals believed self‐weighing was less helpful and positive, more frustrating and anxiety provoking, and making them more self‐conscious. However, after the intervention, participants still viewed self‐weighing as more helpful and positive and less frustrating than at baseline. Weight change, self‐weighing behavior prior to the intervention, and intervention condition were associated with perception change. Controlling for these influencing factors, differences in gender, BMI, age, ethnicity, and race were observed in how beliefs changed across time.

Conclusions

Results suggest engaging in a weight loss intervention promoting daily self‐weighing increases positive and decreases negative beliefs about self‐weighing.