Identification of minimum thresholds for dietary self‐monitoring to promote weight‐loss maintenance

Abstract Objective Reduced schedules of dietary self‐monitoring are typically recommended after the end of behavioral weight‐loss programs; however, there exists little empirical evidence to guide these recommendations. Methods We explored potential thresholds for dietary self‐monitoring during a 9‐month maintenance period following a 3‐month weight‐loss program in 74 adults with overweight or obesity (mean SD age = 50.7 10.4 years, BMI = 31.2 4.5 kg/m 2 ) who were encouraged to self‐monitor weight, dietary intake, and physical activity daily and report their adherence to self‐monitoring each week via a study website. Results Greater self‐monitoring was correlated with less weight regain for thresholds of ≥3 days/week, with the largest benefit observed for thresholds of ≥5 to ≥6 days/week (all p < 0.05); significant weight gain was observed for thresholds of ≥1 to ≥2 days/week, whereas no change in weight was observed for thresholds of ≥3 to ≥4 days/week, and weight loss was observed with thresholds of ≥5 or more days/week. Conclusions Results demonstrate that self‐monitoring at least 3 days/week may be beneficial for supporting long‐term maintenance, although greater benefit (in relation to weight loss) may be realized at thresholds of 5 to 6 days/week. Future research should investigate whether individuals who were randomized to self‐monitor at these different thresholds demonstrate differential patterns of weight‐loss maintenance.