Effects Of Self-Weighing And Visual Feedback On Weight Control In Adults

Abstract

Age-related weight gain presents a threat to public health, as it contributes to increasing incidence of overweight and obesity. The Caloric Titration Method (CTM) is a technique for weight control consisting of daily self-weighing and viewing an individualized graph of weight over time. This dissertation examines use of the CTM for weight loss in overweight and obese adults, prevention of weight regain after loss, and prevention of age-related weight gain in normal weight adults. In addition, analyses exploring psychological factors, their evolution over time and the relationship between these psychological factors and weight change are performed and discussed. Finally, a phenomenological approach is taken to understand how use of the CTM facilitates a self-directed learning process. To investigate potential mechanisms of the CTM, results of a quasi-experimental study are reported. Findings support the CTM as an effective tool for minimal weight reduction over a one-year period in obese and overweight adults, and maintenance of this loss over a second year. The CTM also was successful in preventing age-related weight gain in normal weight women over a two-year period. A sense of being in control of body weight was associated with success in using the CTM. Because the CTM promotes individuals to discover unique approaches to weight control, participants engaged in self-directed learning processes. Interview data from participants that continued using the CTM and those that withdrew from the study revealed self-directed learning processes. Future research directions include use of the CTM in diverse populations as evidence from these studies support use of this technique at a larger level to help individuals control body weight. If successful, this method could decrease the prevalence of obesity.