Dietary outcomes within the study of novel approaches to weight gain prevention (SNAP) randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Young adults (YA) are at high-risk for unhealthy dietary behaviors and weight gain. The Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention (SNAP) Trial demonstrated that two self-regulation approaches were effective in reducing weight gain over 2 years compared with control. The goal of this analysis was to examine effects of intervention on dietary outcomes and the association of diet changes with weight change. METHODS: Participants were 599 YA, age 18-35 years, BMI 21.0-30.0 kg/m2 (27.4 ± 4.4 years; 25.4 ± 2.6 kg/m2; 22% men; 73% non-Hispanic White), who were recruited in Providence, RI and Chapel Hill, NC and randomized to self-regulation with Small Changes (SC), self-regulation with Large Changes (LC) or Control (C). SC and LC emphasized frequent self-weighing to cue behavior changes (small daily changes vs. periodic large changes) and targeted high-risk dietary behaviors. Diet and weight were assessed at baseline, 4 months and 2 years. RESULTS: LC and SC had greater decreases in energy intake than C at 4 months but not 2 years. LC had the greatest changes in percent calories from fat at 4 months, but differences were attenuated at 2 years. No differences in diet quality were observed. Across conditions, increased total energy consumption, fast food, meals away from home, and binge drinking, and decreased dietary quality and breakfast consumption were all associated with weight gain at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the need to strengthen interventions to produce longer term changes in dietary intake and helps to identify specific behaviors associated with weight gain over time in young adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov # NCT01183689 , registered August 18, 2010.

Frequent self-weighing as part of a constellation of healthy weight control practices in young adults.

OBJECTIVE: Frequent self-weighing is linked with weight management success, but concern has been raised about its possible association with unhealthy practices. This study examined the association of self-weighing with other weight control behaviors in a sample for whom frequent weighing might be questioned--namely, normal-weight or overweight (BMI of 21-29.9) young adults (age 18-35). METHODS: Participants (N = 583; mean [SD] age = 27.7 [4.4]; BMI = 25.4 [2.6]) entering the Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention (SNAP) completed objective measures of weight and physical activity and self-reported weight history, use of healthy and unhealthy weight control strategies, depressive symptoms, and dietary intake. RESULTS: Daily self-weighing was reported by 11% of participants, and 23% weighed several times per week. Frequent weighing was not associated with current BMI, gender, or age but was associated with being further below one's highest weight, history of dieting, and perceived difficulty maintaining weight. Frequent weighing was associated with healthy weight management strategies, but not with unhealthy practices or depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample, frequent self-weighing appears to be part of a constellation of healthy weight control behaviors used to counteract a perceived tendency toward weight gain. SNAP follow-up will determine whether frequent self-weighing helps prevent weight gain.