Abstract
The effects of self-recording of weight and bites on subsequent weight was assessed using a single-subject design. Six university students (1 male and 5 female) were exposed to a similar sequence of conditions which included: (a) weekly weigh-ins, (b) self-recording of daily weights, (c) control for observation, (d) self-recording of bites, and (e) a reversal condition in which subjects stopped recording bites but continued recording weights and meeting for weekly weigh-ins. No significant weight reductions occurred in conjunction with weekly weigh-ins, self-recording of daily weights, or the control for observation. Five of the six subjects lost more than two pounds while recording bites, monitoring daily weights, and meeting for weekly weigh-ins. During reversal, five of the six subjects maintained the weight loss over the 2- to 4-week condition. Variables related to the interaction between self-recording of bites and eating were suggested as an explanation for the results.
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This report is based on a thesis submitted by the senior author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Master of Arts Degree, Utah State University. This research was presented at the Midwestern Association of Behavior Analysis, Chicago, Illinois, May, 1977.
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Quayle, C.M., Powers, R.B. The Self-Recording of Weights and Bites in the Treatment of Obesity. Psychol Rec 29, 517–522 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394640
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394640