The use of mHealth to deliver tailored messages reduces reported energy and fat intake.
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Date
2014-12-05
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence supports the role of feedback in reinforcing motivation for behavior change Feedback that provides reinforcement has the potential to increase dietary self monitoring and enhance attainment of recommended dietary intake OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the impact of daily feedback DFB messages delivered remotely on changes in dietary intake METHODS This was a secondary analysis of the Self Monitoring And Recording using Technology SMART Trial a single center 24 month randomized clinical trial of behavioral treatment for weight loss Participants included 210 obese adults mean body mass index 34 0 kg m who were randomized to either a paper diary PD personal digital assistant PDA or PDA plus daily tailored feedback messages PDA FB To determine the role of daily tailored feedback in dietary intake we compared the self monitoring with DFB group DFB group n 70 with the self monitoring without DFB group no DFB group n 140 All participants received a standard behavioral intervention for weight loss Self reported changes in dietary intake were compared between the DFB and no DFB groups and were measured at baseline and at 6 12 18 and 24 months Linear mixed modeling was used to examine percentage changes in dietary intake from baseline RESULTS Compared with the no DFB group the DFB group achieved a larger reduction in energy 22 8 vs 14 0 P 02 and saturated fat 11 3 vs 0 5 P 03 intake and a trend toward a greater decrease in total fat intake 10 4 vs 4 7 P 09 There were significant improvements over time in carbohydrate intake and total fat intake for both groups P values Under 05 CONCLUSION Daily tailored feedback messages designed to target energy and fat intake and delivered remotely in real time using mobile devices may play an important role in the reduction of energy and fat intake