Short Term Weight Control Program of Obese Female College Students through Food Consumption Monitoring Using Mobile Phone Equipped with Camera

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of food consumption monitoring based on a digital photography method using a mobile phone on food consumption and weight reduction. Eighteen female college students (>30% body fat) participated in the weight control program using a mobile-phone for 4 wks. The energy intake was reduced significantly after 3 wks compared to baseline (P<0.05, baseline 1,453.0 kcal, 3rd wk 1,171.1 kcal, 4th wk 1,130.8 kcal). The subjects lost 2.8 kg of body weight, 1.4% of % body fat, and 1.1 kg/m2 of body mass index (BMI) after 4 wks. There were also significant differences in blood pressure (P<0.001) and serum cholesterol (total cholesterol P<0.05, LDL-cholesterol P<0.01) before and after the self-regulated diet program. In this study, the digital photography method using a mobile-phone influenced weight control through trained consumption monitoring, which helps individuals reduce discrepancies between perceived and actual consumption levels. Therefore, effective monitoring by taking food pictures using a mobile-phone can lead individuals to rely more heavily on easy-to-monitor visual cues.