OBJECTIVE: Text-messaging shows promise as a health intervention. This randomized controlled trial evaluated a daily text-messaging weight loss intervention. METHODS: Overweight and obese adults (n = 170) in California were randomized to receive daily interactive and personally weight-relevant text-messages or monthly e-newsletters. Participants were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Group differences were assessed in weight loss. Relation of text-messaging adherence to weight loss and change in pedometer steps was examined. RESULTS: There were no group differences in weight loss over 6 (1.53 lb versus 3.72 lb) or 12 months (2.27 lb versus 3.64 lb; control versus intervention). Text-messaging adherence was moderately strong (60 to 69%). Participants with greater adherence lost more weight at 6 (p = 0.039) and 12 months (p = 0.023) than those who were less adherent. Intervention participants' steps increased almost 3,000 steps/day over time (p < 0.05), and higher step counts were associated with greater weight loss (p < 0.05). Text-messaging satisfaction was moderate to high, and pedometer-related satisfaction was associated with greater weight loss (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although text-messaging had no effect on weight, adherence was associated with improvement in weight-related behaviors and weight outcomes. Text-messages could be a useful adjunct to weight loss treatments.
Copyright by Academic Press.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• DOI
• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher