Self-Weighing Frequency Is Associated with Weight Gain Prevention over 2 Years Among Working Adults

Little is known about the association between self-weighing frequency and weight gain prevention, particularly in worksite populations. The degree to which self-weighing frequency predicted 2-year body weight change in working adults was examined. The association between self-weighing frequency (monthly or less, weekly, daily, or more) and 24-month weight change was analyzed in a prospective cohort analysis (n = 1,222) as part of the larger HealthWorks trial. There was a significant interaction between follow-up self-weighing frequency and baseline body mass index. The difference in weight change ranged from -4.4 +/- 0.8 kg weight loss among obese daily self-weighers to 2.1 +/- 0.4 kg weight gain for participants at a healthy weight who reported monthly self-weighing. More frequent self-weighing seemed to be most beneficial for obese individuals. These findings may aid in the refinement of self-weighing frequency recommendations used in the context of weight management interventions.