Using self-monitoring technology for nutritional counseling and weight management

• Published in: Digital health 2022, Vol.8, p.20552076221102774-20552076221102774
• Main Authors: Carpenter, Chelsea A, Ugwoaba, Umelo A, Cardel, Michelle I, Ross, Kathryn M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Best Practice; Nutrition therapy
• ISSN: 2055-2076; 2055-2076
• DOI: 10.1177/20552076221102774

Self-monitoring of weight, dietary intake, and physical activity is a key strategy for weight management in adults with obesity. Despite research suggesting consistent associations between more frequent self-monitoring and greater success with weight regulation, adherence is often suboptimal and tends to decrease over time. New technologies such as smartphone applications, e-scales, and wearable devices can help eliminate some of the barriers individuals experience with traditional self-monitoring tools, and research has demonstrated that these tools may improve self-monitoring adherence. To improve the integration of these tools in clinical practice, the current narrative review introduces the various types of self-monitoring technologies, presents current evidence regarding their use for nutrition support and weight management, and provides guidance for optimal implementation. The review ends with a discussion of barriers to the implementation of these technologies and the role that they should optimally play in nutritional counseling and weight management. Although newer self-monitoring technologies may help improve adherence to self-monitoring, these tools should not be viewed as an intervention in and of themselves and are most efficacious when implemented with ongoing clinical support.