OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine the efficacy of adding a technology-based program to an in-person, behavioral weight loss intervention. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Fifty-seven subjects (BMI 33.1 +/- 2.8 kg/m2; age 41.3 +/- 8.7 years) participated in a 12-week intervention with random assignment to standard in-person behavioral weight control program (SBWP) or intermittent or continuous technology-based program (INT-TECH, CON-TECH). SBWP subjects received seven individualized weight loss sessions encouraging dietary and exercise modifications. INT-TECH and CON-TECH subjects received all SBWP components; additionally, these groups used a SenseWear Pro Armband (BodyMedia, Inc) to monitor energy expenditure and an internet-based program to monitor eating behaviors. These features were used by INT-TECH subjects during weeks 1, 5, and 9 and CON-TECH subjects weekly throughout the intervention. RESULTS: Intent-to-treat analysis revealed weight loss of 4.1 +/- 2.8 kg, 3.4 +/- 3.4 kg, and 6.2 +/- 4.0 kg, for SBWP, INT-TECH, and CON-TECH groups, respectively (CON-TECH > INT-TECH, p <= 0.05). DISCUSSION: These results indicate that the technology-based program needs to be used continuously throughout the intervention period to significantly impact weight loss. Future studies should examine the long-term and independent effect of this technology on weight loss, and for whom this intervention format is most effective.

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