Self-Monitoring of Weight as a Weight Loss Strategy: A Systematic Review

Gauge the effectiveness of self-monitoring of weight for weight loss.

Daily self-monitoring of weight results in increased weight loss, or improved weight maintenance as compared to infrequent or no self-monitoring of weight. Self-weighing is most effective when tied with other behavioral interventions including tracking caloric intake and physical activity tracking.

Self-monitoring of weight is an effective behavioral weight loss intervention which allows patients to track their progress, but also allows them to connect daily life activities with their weight, fostering real-time feedback that allows them to make more informed and personalized decisions related to dietary choices, physical activity, and lifestyle medicine.