Are you still working on that New Year’s resolution to lose weight? If so, there is some newly published evidence that might give you the boost that you need.
A systematic review published last month in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association concluded that there is a “consistent and significant positive relationship between self-monitoring diet, physical activity or weight and successful outcomes related to weight management.” (You remember how much we love systematic reviews, right?)
The article reviewed 22 studies that looked at self-monitoring during weight loss programs. Fifteen of the studies focused on keeping a food journal, one looked at keeping an exercise journal, and six tracked subjects who recorded their weight at least once a week.
Researchers found that both written and electronic journals helped with weight loss. They also found that that people kept a weekly record of their weight lost more than those who weighed themselves less frequently.
Despite the conclusive evidence, the review identified limitations in the methods of many of the studies included. In all but two studies, participants were predominantly white and women. And most of them used self-reporting instead of researchers collecting the data themselves.
Still, the evidence is pretty clear: If you want to lose weight, keep a journal of your diet, weight and exercise. Just this simple task can make all the difference.
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participants were predominantly white and women. And most of them used self-reporting instead of researchers collecting the data themselves.there is a “consistent and significant positive relationship between self-monitoring diet, physical activity or weight and successful outcomes related to weight management.” (You remember how much we love systematic reviews, right?)