A pilot randomized trial of simplified versus standard calorie dietary self-monitoring in a mobile weight loss intervention.

Objective: This study tested the efficacy of a lower-burden, simplified dietary self-monitoring approach compared with a standard calorie monitoring approach for self-monitoring adherence and weight loss in a mobile-delivered behavioral weight loss intervention.

Methods: Participants (n = 72) with overweight or obesity who had children 2 to 12 years of age living in the home were randomly assigned to a group that used simplified dietary self-monitoring of high-calorie foods (Simplified) or a group that tracked calories (Standard). Both groups received a wireless scale, Fitbit trackers, and a 6-month intervention delivered via a smartphone application with lessons, text messages, and weekly personalized feedback messages.

Examination of a partial dietary self-monitoring approach for behavioral weight management.

Introduction: Dietary self-monitoring in behavioral weight loss programmes traditionally involves keeping track of all foods and beverages to achieve a calorie deficit. While effective, adherence declines over time. WW™ (formerly Weight Watchers), a widely available commercial weight management programme, sought to pilot an approach that permitted participants to consume over 200 foods without monitoring them.

Experiences of African American Breast Cancer Survivors Using Digital Scales and Activity Trackers in a Weight Gain Prevention Intervention: Qualitative Study.

Background: The use of digital tools to promote daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking may be a promising strategy for weight control among African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS). There have been no studies exploring the acceptability and feasibility of using digital tools for weight control or qualitative studies characterizing perceptions of daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking among AABCS.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking using digital tools, including wireless scales and activity trackers, in a sample of AABCS participating in two technology-based weight gain prevention interventions over 6 months.

Engagement and Weight Loss in a Web and Mobile Program for Low-Income Postpartum Women: Fit Moms/.

Internet-based weight loss programs can be effective in promoting weight loss and are less-intensive than traditional face-to-face approaches, which may provide more flexibility for postpartum, low-income women to engage in such programs. Few studies have examined patterns of engagement in internet-based programs for this population. This article used data from the internet-based Fit Moms/ intervention, a 12-month cluster randomized controlled trial that was effective in promoting postpartum weight loss among low-income, predominantly Hispanic women.

A Text Messaging Intervention (Txt4HappyKids) to Promote Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Families With Young Children: Pilot Study.

Background: Increasing fruit and vegetable intake among low-income populations, especially children, is a priority for United States federal food assistance programs. With over 49 million federal food assistance program recipients, cost-effective and efficient methods are needed to effectively deliver nutrition education to such a large population.

Objective: The objective of our study was to examine the preliminary efficacy and acceptability of a text messaging intervention, Txt4HappyKids, to promote fruit and vegetable intake among families with young children.

Exploring the Potential for Technology-Based Nutrition Education Among WIC Recipients in Remote Alaska Native Communities.

Objective: Estimate media technology use in Alaska Native communities to inform the feasibility of technology-based nutrition education.

Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a random selection of about 50% of Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) authorized representatives in remote Alaska Native communities (n = 975). Media technology use, interest in media technology-based nutrition education, and potential barriers were assessed.

Quality assurance of data collection in the multi-site community randomized trial and prevalence survey of the children's healthy living program.

Background: Quality assurance plays an important role in research by assuring data integrity, and thus, valid study results. We aim to describe and share the results of the quality assurance process used to guide the data collection process in a multi-site childhood obesity prevalence study and intervention trial across the US Affiliated Pacific Region.

Methods: Quality assurance assessments following a standardized protocol were conducted by one assessor in every participating site.

Recruitment Strategies and Lessons Learned from the Children's Healthy Living Program Prevalence Survey.

The US Affiliated Pacific region's childhood obesity prevalence has reached epidemic proportions. To guide program and policy development, a multi-site study was initiated, in collaboration with partners from across the region, to gather comprehensive information on the regional childhood obesity prevalence. The environmental and cultural diversity of the region presented challenges to recruiting for and implementing a shared community-based, public health research program.