Abstract
Objective
Understanding how and why self-weighing works for some individuals but not others
in weight management is vital. This study investigated how self-weighing and tracking
of weight using a Web site facilitated a self-directed learning process in overweight
or obese adults interested in losing weight.
Design
Semistructured interviews with study completers (n = 47) and voluntary withdrawals
(n = 10) about their experience after 6 and 12 months of using the program or when
they withdrew.
Analysis
Qualitative, guided by self-directed learning theory.
Results
Although both completers and those who withdrew engaged in self-directed learning,
often exemplifying the same concepts (eg, instrumental learning), experiences described
a positive sense of control over weight in completers and a lack of sense of control
in those who withdrew.
Conclusions and Implications
Overall, it seemed that frequent self-weighing and visual feedback of body weight
over time facilitated a self-directed learning process in both completers and those
who withdrew. This research provides a rich understanding of how adults use self-weighing
to facilitate self-directed learning for weight loss. Future studies assessing how
self-weighing and visual displays of weight facilitate a self-directed learning process
in diverse populations and age groups are necessary to better understand how self-weighing
works and for whom self-weighing is beneficial.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 25, 2019
Accepted:
August 22,
2019
Footnotes
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The authors have not stated any conflicts of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
