OBJECTIVE: Despite the proliferation of newer self-monitoring technology (eg, activity monitors and smartphone apps), their impact on weight loss outside of structured in-person behavioral intervention is unknown. METHODS: A randomized, controlled pilot study was conducted to examine efficacy of self-monitoring technology, with and without phone-based intervention, on 6-month weight loss in adults with overweight and obesity. Eighty participants were randomized to receive standard self-monitoring tools (ST, n = 26), technology-based self-monitoring tools (TECH, n = 27), or technology-based tools combined with phone-based intervention (TECH+PHONE, n = 27). All participants attended one introductory weight loss session and completed assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. RESULTS: Weight loss from baseline to 6 months differed significantly between groups p = 0.042; there was a trend for TECH+PHONE (-6.4 +/- 1.2 kg) to lose more weight than ST (-1.3 +/- 1.2 kg); weight loss in TECH (-4.1 +/- 1.4 kg) was between ST and TECH+PHONE. Fewer ST (15%) achieved >= 5% weight losses compared with TECH and TECH+PHONE (44%), p = 0.039. Adherence to self-monitoring caloric intake was higher in TECH+PHONE than TECH or ST, ps < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest use of newer self-monitoring technology plus brief phone-based intervention improves adherence and weight loss compared with traditional self-monitoring tools. Further research should determine cost-effectiveness of adding phone-based intervention when providing self-monitoring technology.

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