Differences in Self-Monitoring Technology Use and Perceptions Between National Weight Control Registry Participants Maintaining and Regaining Weight.

Background: Self-monitoring technology (e.g., smartphone applications) aids weight loss, but its role in weight maintenance remains under studied. Purpose: To evaluate Methods: NWCR participants completed an online survey about self-monitoring technology use and perceptions. Of 1,000 invited participants, 794 completed the survey. Those who reported gaining ≥2.3kg (5lbs) in the past year were categorized as the "regain" group (40.8%); those reporting <2.3kg gain were the "maintain" group (59.2%). Results: The sample (n=794) was mostly female, White, middle-aged adults. "Regain" was more interested in technology than paper-based methods to self-monitor weight ( Conclusions: This appears to be the first study investigating naturalistic use of self-monitoring technology in a demographically homogenous sample maintaining significant weight loss. The "regain" group was more likely to use self-monitoring technology but reported more tracking-associated negative feelings. Future research must determine how to support individuals emotionally and with weight maintenance when self-monitoring contributes to negative byproducts. Other work should identify the optimal elements of self-monitoring technology for weight loss maintenance.