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Long-term efficacy of sharing digital self-monitoring in a behavioral weight loss program
Conference poster   Peer reviewed

Long-term efficacy of sharing digital self-monitoring in a behavioral weight loss program

Meghan L Butryn, Anna Elizabeth Upman, Nicole Ashley Miller, Charlotte Joyce Hagerman, Evan M Forman, Danielle R Arigo, Fengqing Zhang, Erica Marla LaFata, Brandy-Joe Milliron and Bonnie Spring
Annals of behavioral medicine, v 60(Supplement_1), pp S151-S151
01 Apr 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaag012#page=S151
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https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaag012#page=S151View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open

Abstract

Weight loss e-Health
Introduction: Digital self-monitoring tools are widely used by adults attempting lifestyle modification, but little is known about the impact of sharing these data with others. Data sharing could promote behavior change through supportive accountability, yet may also lead to unintended effects, such as heightened self-consciousness or shame. This study examined whether the efficacy of a behavioral weight loss program could be improved if participants’ digital self-monitoring data were shared with other parties. Methods: Participants (N = 322) enrolled in a 24-month behavioral weight loss program that included group sessions, individual coaching calls, and text messages from coaches and program peers. All participants were instructed to engage in daily self-monitoring of weight, physical activity, and dietary intake. Using a 2x2x2 factorial design, participants were randomized to data sharing with their coach (ON vs OFF), data sharing with fellow group members (ON vs OFF), and data sharing with a selected friend or family member outside of the program (ON vs OFF). Longitudinal changes in weight and secondary outcomes were analyzed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months using multilevel models with missing data imputed. Time-by-condition interactions were examined to see the effect of each factor on the pattern of change in weight and other outcomes. Results: Weight loss significantly differed over time in Coach Share ON vs OFF (p = .004), with 24-month weight loss averaging 9.0% in Coach Share ON vs 6.6% in Coach Share OFF. A greater increase in participant perception of coach knowledge was also observed in Coach Share ON vs OFF (p = .04). Weight change over time did not significantly differ for Group Share ON vs OFF (p = 0.69) or Friend/Family Share ON vs OFF (p = 0.56). Change over time in treatment satisfaction did not differ significantly between any Share ON vs OFF conditions. Conclusions: Providing coaches with access to participants’ digital self-monitoring data enhanced long-term weight loss compared to delivery of the behavioral program without such access. Similar benefits were not observed when data were shared with peers or friends/family outside the program. These findings suggest that treatment providers may be the more effective partners for data sharing, and that alternative approaches may be needed to improve the efficacy of peer or friend/family data are sharing.

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