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The Role of Self-Regulation in the Effect of Self-Tracking of Physical Activity and Weight on BMI

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Abstract

Self-tracking of health may have positive effects on lifestyle behavior and weight loss; however, not much is known about the role of psychological processes in this effect. The purpose of this study was to assess to what extent a change in self-regulation capabilities can explain weight loss after 4 and 12 months of self-tracking physical activity and weight. An explorative cohort study was conducted with measurements at baseline (T0), 4 months (T1), and 12 months (T2). Healthy adult volunteers (N = 80) were included and provided with a digital weight scale and an activity tracker. Personal characteristics as well as the intention to change weight and physical activity were measured at T0. Self-regulation capabilities (goal orientation, self-direction, decision making, and impulse control) were measured with the Self-Regulation Questionnaire at T0, T1, and T2, together with body weight. At T0, all four dimensions of self-regulation were negatively related to BMI (p < .01). At T1, weight significantly declined compared to T0 (− 2.0 kg/− 0.64 kg/m2, p < .001). At T2, this weight loss was maintained (− 1.8 kg/− 0.57 kg/m2, p < .01). At T1, intention to lose weight, self-weighing frequency, and an increase in goal orientation explained weight loss. At T2, an increase in decision making explained weight loss. Incremental self-regulation capabilities may explain weight loss after engaging in self-tracking of physical activity and weight. Future research should focus on exploring effective ways to further enhance self-regulation when using self-tracking technology and to assess the impact of different types of self-regulation stimuli on weight loss.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Withings for the donation of the self-tracking devices and collaboration during the study. We also thank Lifelines for granting access to their study cohort and accompanying support, and Justin Timmer for his valuable contribution during the design and implementation of the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands

    Thea J. M. Kooiman & Cees P. van der Schans

  2. Department of Social Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

    Arie Dijkstra

  3. Department of Internal Medicine, Treant Care Group, Bethesda Diabetes Research Center & Bethesda General Hospital, Hoogeveen, The Netherlands

    Adriaan Kooy

  4. Lifelines, Groningen, The Netherlands

    Aafje Dotinga

  5. REshape Center, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    Martijn de Groot

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  1. Thea J. M. Kooiman
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  2. Arie Dijkstra
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Correspondence to Thea J. M. Kooiman.

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Kooiman, T.J.M., Dijkstra, A., Kooy, A. et al. The Role of Self-Regulation in the Effect of Self-Tracking of Physical Activity and Weight on BMI. J. technol. behav. sci. 5, 206–214 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-020-00127-w

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