Mobile Weight Loss Applications: 

Comparing Mobile Applications to Traditional

Weight Loss Practices

By Andrea Shelley, Dietetic Intern

Obesity Epidemic Leads to:

◦ Cardiovascular Disease◦ Type II Diabetes◦ Respiratory Disease ◦ Joint Damage

Expensive◦ Insurance won’t always cover Registered Dietitian

(RD)◦ Gym membership/trainer

Introduction:

3 behaviors required to achieve and maintain weight loss.◦ 1.) self-monitoring of diet, physical activity, and

body weight◦ 2.) reducing energy intake◦ 3.) increasing energy expenditure.

Previous Studies:

Coons et al

Coons M, Roehrig M, and Spring B. The potential of virtual reality technologies to improve adherence to weight loss behaviors. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. 2011:5(2);340-344. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC3125926/. Published online March 1, 2011. Accessed November 26, 2012

Compared 3 self monitoring techniques◦ 1.) use of standard paper record◦ 2.) use of a personal digital assistant (PDA)◦ 3.) use of the same PDA as mode two plus a

customized feedback program. Used DietMatePro software program Participants using PDAs had increased weight

loss

Previous Studies:

Burke et al

Burke et al. SMART trial: a randomized clinical trial of self-monitoring in behavioral weight management-design and baseline findings. NIH Public Access Author Manuscript. 2009:30(6):540-551. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2009.07.003

Can the use of mobile device applications (MDA) created for weight loss provide results similar to those obtained by persons receiving nutrition and exercise education and classes?

Research Question:

2 groups 1.) Traditional weight loss group

◦ Subjects attended nutrition education and exercise classes

◦ Used data from 2008 B3 Program◦ 12 participants

2.) MDA group◦ Advertised using flyers in hospital◦ 9 participants◦ Used Myfitnesspal application

8 Week Study

Must be a Blessing employee Must have a BMI of greater than 21 Must be willing and able to attend nutrition

education and exercise classes

Traditional Group Inclusion

1.) Must be a Blessing employee 2.) Must own and be familiar with using a

mobile device capable of downloading applications

3.) Must have a BMI of greater than 21 4.) Must be in general good health 5.) Must not have attended nutrition

education classes within the past year. 6.) Must be willing to document food

consumption and exercise daily.

MDA Group Inclusion

All subjects ◦ Weighed at the beginning and end of study◦ Heights were taken at the beginning of the study

Traditional Group◦ Attended 45 min cardi/yoga class Monday-Friday◦ 30 min strength training class Monday and Thursday◦ Group therapy Monday◦ Nutrition education class Tuesday

Methodology

MDA Group◦ Instructed to use Myfitnesspal application

everyday to record food intake and exercise ◦ Instructed to set a 1lb/week weight loss goal◦ Instructed to workout a minimum of 30 minutes

3 times per week

Methodology

States that there is no significant difference in the percent weight loss of the traditional group compared to the percent weight loss of the MDA group.

Null Hypothesis

Results

Subjects

% B

ody W

eig

ht Lo

ss in lb

s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

8.00

9.00

10.00

Traditional GroupMDA Group

Traditional Group ◦ % body weight loss =1.67 to 8.83%◦ Mean % body weight loss = 5.30%

MDA Group ◦ % body weight loss = 0.2 to 6.0% ◦ Mean % body weight loss = 3.11%

Two-tailed P-value◦ 0.023◦ Statistically significant◦ Reject null hypothesis

Results

B3 group had an average of 41.3% more % body weight loss

Subjects in the MDA Group stated advantages:◦ Convenient◦ Provided constant visual and motivation◦ Made tracking calories easier◦ User friendly

Discussion

Using an MDA does not provide the same weight loss as exercise and nutrition classes

MDAs do lead to weight loss when used properly

MDAs maybe still be a good tool for individuals who can not afford nutrition and exercise classes

More research is need!

Conclusion