A comparison of two forms of self-monitoring in a behavioral weight reduction program

Thirty-seven overweight subjects were recruited for a behavioral weightreduction program incorporating self-monitoring of food intake and lost the most weight, followed by the N.M. and W.L. groups in that order.

Abstract

Thirty-seven overweight subjects were recruited for a behavioral weightreduction program incorporating self-monitoring of food intake. Prebehavior monitoring (P.M.) was compared with post-behavioral monitoring (Pt.M.), a nonmonitoring condition (N.M.) and a waiting list control condition (W.L.). The P.M. group lost the most weight, followed by the N.M., Pt.M. and W.L. groups in that order. The P.M. and N.M. groups continued to lose weight after treatment ended. Every subject in the P.M. group lost weight. The Pt.M. group did not differ from the W.L. group at the end of treatment or at follow-up. The parameters of self-monitoring behavior were discussed and suggestions made for research and clinical usage of self-monitoring.