We found preliminary evidence for a threshold of self-weighing greater than 4 days per week for weight loss and a threshold of self-weighing 3–4 days per week for preventing weight gain among individuals quitting smoking; however, just over a third of participants weighed themselves an average of ≥3 days per week, meaning that most participants in the current study were not meeting the self-weighing threshold necessary for weight maintenance. The Stability condition self-weighed significantly more frequently than the Loss and Bibliotherapy condition, which may have been due to the type of feedback provided in the Stability condition (i.e., color-coded feedback on their weight trajectory and prizes for staying within three pounds of baseline weight). As data like these emerge related to self-weighing for post-cessation weight management, clear recommendations regarding the optimal frequency for self-weighing and self-weighing feedback could be communicated to individuals who are quitting smoking and their health care providers.
Abstract
Background
Smoking cessation is associated with weight gain, and the risk of weight gain is a common deterrent to quitting smoking. Thus, the identification of strategies for reducing post-smoking cessation weight gain is critical.
Objective
Conduct secondary analysis of data from the Fit & Quit trial to determine if greater frequency of self-weighing is associated with less weight gain in the context of smoking cessation.
Methods
Participants (N = 305) were randomized to one of three 2-month weight interventions (i.e., Stability, Loss, Bibliotherapy), followed by a smoking cessation intervention. Stability and Loss conditions received different types of self-weighing feedback. All participants received e-scales at baseline, to capture daily self-weighing data over 12 months. General linear models were applied to test the main objective.
Results
Frequency of self-weighing was (mean ± SD) 2.67 ± 1.84 days/week. The Stability condition had significantly higher self-weighing frequency (3.18 ± 1.72 days/week) compared to the Loss (2.51 ± 1.99 days/week) and the Bibliotherapy conditions (2.22 ± 1.63 days/week). Adjusting for baseline weight and treatment condition, self-weighing 3–4 days/week was associated with weight stability (−0.77 kg, 95% CI: −2.2946, 0.7474, p = 0.3175), and self-weighing 5 or more days/week was associated with 2.26 kg weight loss (95% CI: −3.9249, −0.5953, p = 0.0080).
Conclusions
Self-weighing may serve as a useful tool for weight gain prevention after smoking cessation. Feedback received about self-weighing behaviors and weight trajectory (similar to the feedback Stability participants received) might enhance adherence.