With the rise of obesity in our society people will try almost anything to lose weight. This can include different diets, workout regiments and even surgery. The research and market exposure tackling such a topic is outstanding. However, a new study from the University of California purposes a different method to losing weight...texting?
Subjects in the study were sent 3-5 text messages a day with friendly tips and reminders on nutrition and weight control. Furthermore, calls would be carried out throughout the study to subjects by a health counsellor.
Participants of the study lost on average slightly over 6lbs in 16 weeks. This was 4lbs more than those who were not texted during the study. Although 6lbs seems like a minor loss this is fairly significant considering no other adjustments were made to these people’s lives.
The study purposes an interesting method of assisting people in losing weight. With the rise of child obesity and the popularity of cell phones such an idea isn’t too farfetched. New IPhone applications are always arising regarding diet tips and nutritional advice. In addition, one could use such a protocol when needing advice or motivation from their trainer which is not always present. So the next time you text your overweight friend try texting them some diet advice. Who knows........it may go over well.
Dr. Wayne Button, BSc, D.C
For more information and references check out the following:http://sportinjuriesandwellnessottawa.blogspot.com/2009/11/need-another-reason-to-text-how-about.html
Comments
if obesity is on the rise, then how is it possible that all subjects in this study, on average, lose weight regardless of which experimental group they are placed in? Hard to put a lot of faith in any results when there clearly must be methodological flaws in the design
Like every other study under the sun
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