Effect of Food Consumption Monitoring Using a Smartphone on Weight Changes in Obese Women

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effect of food consumption monitoring and real-time communication-based weight control program using a smartphone on weight reduction and maintenance in obese women. This study consisted of two phases an 8-week weight control program with food consumption monitoring and real-time communication using a smartphone and an 8-week follow-up. Sixteen obese female college students (>30% body fat) participated in this program, and we measured changes in body composition and dietary intake volume. Follow-up analysis focused on weight maintenance after 8 weeks of no contact. Total energy intake (P<0.01), body weight (P<0.001), percent body fat (P<0.001), body fat (P<0.05), and body mass index (P<0.001) decreased significantly after the 8-week weight control program. However, we could not observe total energy intake or body composition regain after the follow-up period. These results suggest that food consumption monitoring and real-time communication using a smartphone can be effective for weight control and maintenance.