Self-monitoring of spontaneous physical activity and sedentary behavior to prevent weight regain in older adults

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Abstract
Objective The objective was to determine whether adding a self‐regulatory intervention (SRI) focused on self‐monitoring of spontaneous physical activity (SPA) and sedentary behavior to a standard weight loss intervention improved maintenance of lost weight. Methods Older (65‐79 years), obese (BMI = 30‐40 kg/m2) adults (n = 48) were randomized to a 5‐month weight loss intervention involving a hypocaloric diet (DIET) and aerobic exercise (EX) with or without the SRI to promote SPA and decrease sedentary behavior (SRI + DIET + EX compared with DIET + EX). Following the weight loss phase, both groups transitioned to self‐selected diet and exercise behavior during a 5‐month follow‐up. Throughout the 10‐months, the SRI + DIET + EX group utilized real‐time accelerometer feedback for self‐monitoring. Results There was an overall group by time effect of the SRI (P < 0.01); DIET + EX lost less weight and regained more weight than SRI + DIET + EX. The average weight regain during follow‐up was 1.3 kg less in the SRI + DIET + EX group. Individuals in this group maintained approximately 10% lower weight than baseline compared with those in the DIET + EX group whom maintained approximately 5% lower weight than baseline. Conclusions Addition of a SRI, designed to increase SPA and decrease sedentary behavior, to a standard weight loss intervention enhanced successful maintenance of lost weight.

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