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Cited by 263Mobile Health and mHealth ApplicationsObesity and Health PracticesDigital Mental Health Interventions

Tweets, Apps, and Pods: Results of the 6-Month Mobile Pounds Off Digitally (Mobile POD) Randomized Weight-Loss Intervention Among Adults

Open access
Turner-McGrievy, Gabrielle, Tate, Deborah·2011·Journal of Medical Internet Research
DOI 10.2196/jmir.1841PMC PMC3278106
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous interventions have shown promising results using theory-based podcasts to deliver a behavioral weight-loss intervention. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to examine whether a combination of podcasting, mobile support communication, and mobile diet monitoring can assist people in weight loss. METHODS: In this 6-month, minimal contact intervention, overweight (n = 96, body mass index 32.6 kg/m(2)) adults were recruited through television advertisements and email listservs and randomly assigned to Podcast-only or Podcast+Mobile groups. Both groups received 2 podcasts per week for 3 months and 2 minipodcasts per week for months 3-6. In addition to the podcasts, the Podcast+Mobile group was also instructed to use a diet and physical activity monitoring application (app) on their mobile device and to interact with study counselors and other participants on Twitter. RESULTS: Weight loss did not differ by group at 6 months: mean -2.7% (SD 5.6%) Podcast+Mobile, n = 47; mean -2.7% (SD 5.1%) Podcast, n = 49; P = .98. Days/week of reported diet monitoring did not differ between Podcast+Mobile (mean 2.3, SD 1.9 days/week) and Podcast groups (mean 1.9, SD 1.7 days/week; P = .28) but method of monitoring did differ. Podcast+Mobile participants were 3.5 times more likely than the Podcast group to use an app to monitor diet (P = .01), whereas the majority of Podcast participants reported using the Web (14/41, 34%) or paper (12/41, 29%). There were more downloads per episode in the Podcast+Mobile group (1.4/person) than in the Podcast group (1.1/person; P < .001). The number of podcasts participants reported downloading over the 6-month period was significantly moderately correlated with weight loss in both the Podcast+Mobile (r = -.46, P = .001) and the Podcast (r = -.53, P < .001) groups. Podcast+Mobile participants felt more user control at 3 months (P = .02), but not at 6 months, and there was a trend (P = .06) toward greater elaboration among Podcast+Mobile participants. There were significant differences in reported source of social support between groups. More Podcast participants relied on friends (11/40, 28% vs 4/40, 10%; P = .045) whereas Podcast+Mobile participants relied on online sources (10/40, 25% vs 0/40; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Results confirm and extend previous findings showing a minimally intensive weight-loss intervention can be delivered via podcast, but prompting and mobile communication via Twitter and monitoring app without feedback did not enhance weight loss. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01139255; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01139255 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/625OjhiDy).

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In a 6-month randomized trial among 96 overweight/obese adults, a podcast-only weight-loss intervention produced modest weight loss, and adding a mobile diet-monitoring app plus Twitter prompts/support did not improve weight loss. Both groups lost a mean 2.7% of body weight at 6 months (P = .98 between groups).

Key findings

Weight loss did not differ by group at 6 months: mean –2.7% (SD 5.6%) Podcast+Mobile, n = 47; mean –2.7% (SD 5.1%) Podcast, n = 49; P = .98. Most participants did not achieve a 5% weight loss, the level described as clinically meaningful.

  • Days/week of reported diet monitoring did not differ between Podcast+Mobile (mean 2.3, SD 1.9) and Podcast groups (mean 1.9, SD 1.7; P = .28), but method of monitoring did: Podcast+Mobile participants were 3.5 times more likely to use an app to monitor diet (P = .01), whereas most Podcast participants used the Web (14/41, 34%) or paper (12/41, 29%).
  • Podcast downloads were higher in the Podcast+Mobile group (1.4/person vs 1.1/person; P < .001), and reported number of podcasts downloaded over 6 months was moderately correlated with weight loss in both Podcast+Mobile (r = –.46, P = .001) and Podcast (r = –.53, P < .001) groups.
  • Social support source differed: more Podcast participants relied on friends (11/40, 28% vs 4/40, 10%; P = .045), while more Podcast+Mobile participants relied on online sources (10/40, 25% vs 0/40; P = .001). Podcast+Mobile participants felt more user control at 3 months (P = .02), but not at 6 months, and there was a trend toward greater elaboration at 6 months (P = .06).

Methods

Six-month minimal-contact randomized trial; overweight/obese adults (BMI 25–45 kg/m2, 18–60 years) were recruited in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, via television advertisements and email listservs, required an Internet-capable mobile device, and were randomized to Podcast-only (n = 49) or Podcast+Mobile (n = 47). Both groups received 2 podcasts/week for 3 months and 2 minipodcasts/week for months 3–6; Podcast+Mobile was also instructed to use the FatSecret Calorie Counter app and Twitter, with the study coordinator sending 2 messages/day.

  • Weight was measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months; measures included online questionnaires, 2 unannounced 24-hour dietary recalls, Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire, Weight Efficacy Life-Style Questionnaire, Eating Behavior Inventory, information-processing variables, weekly self-report, and objective podcast downloads. Analyses used intention-to-treat with baseline observation carried forward except for some 6-month-only variables assessed in completers; tests included t tests, repeated-measures ANOVA, logistic regression, chi-square, and Pearson correlation in SPSS 16.0.

Limitations

Stated: the study population was mostly white and female; the 6-month duration allowed examination of initial weight loss but not weight-loss maintenance; groups differed at baseline in prior health-related podcast/app experience; and noncompleters were younger and less likely to be white.

  • Stated: the intervention did not include study counselor feedback or tailoring of messages/information, and the self-monitoring app and Twitter were poorly used; Twitter was not viewed as useful for weight-loss efforts (mean 3.4, SD 1.8, out of 7), and posting declined over time.
  • Evident from the text: neither participants nor investigators were blinded to treatment assignment; dietary monitoring and Twitter use were largely self-reported; and months 3–6 overlapped with US holidays while the intervention dose was reduced, which the authors suggest may have affected outcomes.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.2196/jmir.1841

Cites

40 of 40 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 28 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Podcast+Mobile participants relied on online sources (10/40, 25% vs 0/40; P=.001).

    “whereas Podcast+Mobile participants relied on online sources (10/40, 25% vs 0/40; P = .001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The number of podcasts participants reported downloading over the 6-month period was significantly moderately correlated with weight loss in both the Podcast+Mobile (r=-.46, P=.001) and the Podcast (r=-.53, P<.001) groups.

    “The number of podcasts participants reported downloading over the 6-month period was significantly moderately correlated with weight loss in both the Podcast+Mobile (r = –.46, P = .001) and the Podcast (r = –.53, P < .001) groups.”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “The number of podcasts participants reported downloading over the 6-month period was significantly moderately correlated with weight loss in both the Podcast+Mobile (r = –.46, P = .001) and the Podcast (r = –.53, P < .001) groups.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Days per week of reported diet monitoring did not differ between Podcast+Mobile (mean 2.3, SD 1.9) and Podcast (mean 1.9, SD 1.7) groups (P=.28).

    “Days/week of reported diet monitoring did not differ between Podcast+Mobile (mean 2.3, SD 1.9 days/week) and Podcast groups (mean 1.9, SD 1.7 days/week; P = .28) but method of monitoring did differ.”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “There was no difference between groups in the mean days per week that dietary intake or physical activity were self-reported by participants.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Self-reported days per week of diet monitoring accurately reflects actual monitoring frequency.
  • Findingown data

    More Podcast participants relied on friends (11/40, 28% vs 4/40, 10%; P=.045).

    “More Podcast participants relied on friends (11/40, 28% vs 4/40, 10%; P = .045)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    There were significant differences in reported source of social support between groups.

    “There were significant differences in reported source of social support between groups.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 31
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 24

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Podcast+Mobile participants felt more user control at 3 months (P=.02), but not at 6 months.

    “Podcast+Mobile participants felt more user control at 3 months (P = .02), but not at 6 months”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Podcast+Mobile participants reported more user control at 3 months but not at 6 months (P = .08).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Groups did not differ in changes in fat intake, self-efficacy (WEL score), or weight-related eating behaviors (EBI score) at 3 or 6 months.

    “Groups did not differ in changes in fat intake, self-efficacy (WEL score), or weight-related eating behaviors (EBI score) at 3 or 6 months.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The Podcast+Mobile group lost an additional -0.2 (SD 3.0) kg from months 3 to 6, compared with -0.3 (SD 1.8) kg in the Podcast group; the time-by-group interaction was not significant (P=.88).

    “and an additional –0.2 (SD 3.0) kg from months 3 to 6 (vs –0.3, SD 1.8 kg in the Podcast group; P = .88 for time-by-group interaction).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    There was no difference in number of days of diet monitoring or weight loss by type of mobile device.

    “There was no difference in number of days of diet monitoring or weight loss by type of mobile device.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The intervention groups did not differ in changes in EBI score, WEL score, energy expenditure, or energy intake.

    “The intervention groups did not differ in changes in EBI score, WEL score, energy expenditure, or energy intake”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Both groups felt equally supported in their weight-loss efforts, but source of support differed.

    “Both groups felt equally supported in their weight-loss efforts, but source of support differed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Participants who did not complete the study were significantly younger and less likely than completers to be white.

    “Participants who did not complete the study were significantly younger and less likely than completers to be white”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Podcast participants mainly turned to real-life friends as sources of support, whereas Podcast+Mobile participants relied on Internet-based sources, namely Twitter.

    “Podcast participants mainly turned to real-life friends as sources of support, whereas Podcast+Mobile participants relied on Internet-based sources, namely Twitter.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Both groups reported similar levels of social support and days of dietary monitoring.

    “Both groups reported similar levels of social support and days of dietary monitoring”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Although days per week of diet monitoring did not differ between groups, method of monitoring did.

    “Although days per week of diet monitoring did not differ between groups, method of monitoring did.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The study population was mostly white and female.

    “The study population was mostly white and female.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The number of Twitter posts averaged 2 per week and declined over time, so participants were not communicating with other group members frequently.

    “However, the number of Twitter posts averaged 2 per week, and declined over time, so participants were not communicating with other group members frequently.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Equal numbers of participants from each group were members of Twitter at baseline.

    “and equal numbers of participants from each group were members of Twitter at baseline.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Behavioral interventions that target improvements in diet and physical activity are an effective way to help people lose weight and decrease chronic disease risk factors.

    “Behavioral interventions that target improvements in diet and physical activity are an effective way to help people lose weight and decrease chronic disease risk factors [6].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [6] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Face-to-face behavioral weight-loss interventions are time and resource intensive and not easy to disseminate.

    “Although this can be an effective way to help people lose weight, it is time and resource intensive and not easy to disseminate.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [7] Smith, CF, 2000, Diabetes Spectr

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Premisecitation

    Many people feel that participation in face-to-face weight-loss interventions is time consuming and often inconvenient.

    “Additionally, many people feel that participation in face-to-face weight-loss interventions is time consuming and often inconvenient [8].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [8] Sherwood, NE, 1998, Am J Health Promot source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisereasoning

    Moving away from a face-to-face setting to a mobile delivery method is a promising strategy in the delivery of a behavioral weight-loss intervention.

    “Moving away from a face-to-face setting to a mobile delivery method is a promising strategy in the delivery of a behavioral weight-loss intervention.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    More people in the Podcast+Mobile group than in the Podcast group reported previously downloading a health-related podcast (P=.04).

    “More people in the Podcast+Mobile group than in the Podcast group reported previously downloading a health-related podcast (P = .04) or installing a healthy diet-related app to their mobile device (P = .04).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    Participants were randomly assigned using a computerized random numbers generator.

    “Participants were randomly assigned using a computerized random numbers generator (as conducted by study investigators) once they completed of all their baseline questionnaires.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    All data collection and analyses used intention-to-treat with baseline observation carried forward imputation, except some variables collected only at 6 months, which were assessed using completers only.

    “We conducted all data collection and analyses using intention-to-treat by using imputation (baseline observation carried forward), with the exception of some variables that we collected only at 6 months (such as information processing variables), which we assessed using completers only.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Patrick and colleagues conducted a study that used an entirely mobile-based approach among overweight men and women.

    “One study that used an entirely mobile-based approach was conducted by Patrick and colleagues [17] among overweight men and women.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Neither study participants nor investigators were blind to treatment assignment.

    “Neither study participants nor investigators were blind to treatment assignment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    In a model examining demographic factors as predictors of noncompletion at 6 months, there was a significant effect of age (P=.005) and a trend with ethnicity (P=.06), but not of gender, group assignment, or baseline BMI.

    “In a model examining demographic factors as predictors of noncompletion of the study at 6 months, there was a significant effect of age (P = .005) and a trend with ethnicity (P = .06), but not of gender, group assignment, or baseline BMI.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    More people in the Podcast+Mobile group than in the Podcast group reported previously installing a healthy diet-related app to their mobile device (P=.04).

    “More people in the Podcast+Mobile group than in the Podcast group reported previously downloading a health-related podcast (P = .04) or installing a healthy diet-related app to their mobile device (P = .04).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Mobile devices have been used successfully to provide dietary guidance and to self-monitor weight and other health-related variables and dietary intake.

    “Mobile devices have been used successfully to provide dietary guidance [12] and self-monitor weight and other health-related variables [13,14] and dietary intake [15].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [12] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [13] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [14] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [15] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Questionnaire items were transformed from paper instruments to online methods but had not been previously validated for online use.

    “These questionnaire items were transformed from paper instruments to online methods (but had not been previously validated for online use).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Both conditions were active treatments and participants were not told which group was the intervention of interest or enhanced group.

    “Both conditions were active treatments and participants were not told which group was the intervention of interest or enhanced group.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Participants who did not complete the study at 6 months (n=10) were younger (mean 31.0 vs 44.3 years) and were 4.7 times less likely to be white (95% CI 0.96-23.24).

    “Participants who did not complete the study at 6 months (n = 10) were younger (mean 31.0, SD 11.2 vs 44.3, SD 10.3 years) and were 4.7 times (95% confidence interval, 0.96–23.24) less likely to be white (4/10, 40% black, 2/10, 20% Asian, and 4/10, 40% white).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Greater elaboration and user control may have led to greater podcast usage, as evidenced by more podcast downloads to the Podcast+Mobile group site.

    “Greater elaboration and user control, however, may have led to greater podcast usage, as evidenced by more podcast downloads to the Podcast+Mobile group site.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Our prior podcasting study showed greater elaboration and user control among the enhanced theory-based podcast at 3 months than among the control podcast.

    “Our prior podcasting study showed greater elaboration and user control among the enhanced theory-based podcast at 3 months than among the control podcast [19].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [19] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The study had strong retention rates.

    “The study also had strong retention rates”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Those in the Podcast+Mobile group may have been more technically savvy or more familiar with the technology used in the study at baseline.

    “showing that those in the Podcast+Mobile group may have been more technically savvy or more familiar with the technology used in the study at baseline.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationown data

    Some aspect of the study may not have been well suited to this demographic group.

    “and therefore some aspect of the study may not have been well suited to this demographic group.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Greater usage of weight-loss study components has been shown to lead to improved weight losses.

    “Greater usage of weight-loss study components has been shown to lead to improved weight losses [37].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [37] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Several studies have shown that targeting dietary self-monitoring, providing social support, and emphasizing both dietary changes and physical activity are key components to successful face-to-face behavioral weight-loss programs.

    “Several studies have shown that targeting dietary self-monitoring, providing social support, and emphasizing both dietary changes and physical activity are key components to successful face-to-face behavioral weight-loss programs [43].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [43] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Several of the components of Internet-based weight-loss interventions that have been shown to be effective were part of the Podcast+Mobile intervention, including self-monitoring, use of established behavioral strategies, and social support.

    “Several of the components of Internet-based weight-loss interventions that have been shown to be effective were part of the Podcast+Mobile intervention, including self-monitoring, use of established behavioral strategies, and social support [44].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [44] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Social support has been shown to be a possible key component in behavioral weight-loss programs.

    “Social support has been shown to be a possible key component in behavioral weight-loss programs [41].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [41] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Self-monitoring of dietary intake is an important component of behavioral weight-loss programs.

    “Self-monitoring of dietary intake is an important component of behavioral weight-loss programs [38].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [38] Burke, LE, 2005, J Ren Nutr source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This intervention is an approach that could be easily disseminated, as there was very minimal contact with participants, everything was delivered remotely, and it was low cost.

    “This intervention is an approach that could be easily disseminated, as there was very minimal contact with participants, everything was delivered remotely, and it was low cost.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The intervention was low cost.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The additional components of Twitter and mobile diet monitoring did not increase cognitive burden and allowed for continued elaboration and user control.

    “demonstrating that the additional components of Twitter and mobile diet monitoring did not increase cognitive burden and allowed for continued elaboration and user control.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    This difference in prior experience did not seem to affect the results.

    “This did not seem to affect the results”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    This intervention used a randomized design and intention-to-treat analysis.

    “This intervention used a randomized design and intention-to-treat analysis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Both groups found ways to self-monitor diet and obtain social support, meaning that structural aspects of the groups differed in type but not amount, which was reflected in the weight-loss outcomes.

    “Both groups, however, found ways to self-monitor diet and obtain social support, meaning that structural aspects of the groups differed in type but not amount, which was reflected in the weight-loss outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The study used an objective measure for weight.

    “used an objective measure for weight”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The study included 2 unannounced days of dietary intake collected using a multiple-pass method.

    “included 2 unannounced days of dietary intake collected using a multiple-pass method.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The study was short-term (6 months) and so it was able to examine initial weight loss but not weight-loss maintenance.

    “The study was short-term (6 months) and so it was able to examine initial weight loss but not weight-loss maintenance.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
46 of 46

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The observed weight loss in the Podcast and Podcast+Mobile groups is attributable to the podcast intervention rather than to other factors such as regression to the mean, seasonal effects, or measurement.

    “Results confirm and extend previous findings showing a minimally intensive weight-loss intervention can be delivered via podcast”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The provision of a calorie/fat gram book to the Podcast group did not offset the absence of the mobile app and Twitter components, so the comparison between groups isolates the effect of the mobile components.

    “The Podcast group—but not the Podcast+Mobile group—received a book with calorie and fat gram amounts of food to assist them in monitoring their dietary intake.”
    “but prompting and mobile communication via Twitter and monitoring app without feedback did not enhance weight loss.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Self-reported method of diet monitoring accurately reflects the actual method used.

    “Podcast+Mobile participants were 3.5 times more likely than the Podcast group to use an app to monitor diet (P = .01)”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Self-reported days per week of diet monitoring accurately reflects actual monitoring frequency.

    “Days/week of reported diet monitoring did not differ between Podcast+Mobile (mean 2.3, SD 1.9 days/week) and Podcast groups (mean 1.9, SD 1.7 days/week; P = .28) but method of monitoring did differ.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Without the intervention, participants would have gained weight during the holiday period.

    “the fact that only minimal weight loss occurred during months 3–6 in the present study (approximately –0.25 kg or –0.55 lb) demonstrates that this intervention may have worked to prevent holiday weight gain, versus promoting additional weight loss during this vulnerable period.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The intervention was low cost.

    “This intervention is an approach that could be easily disseminated, as there was very minimal contact with participants, everything was delivered remotely, and it was low cost.”
6 of 6

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Social-support rating scale has two different starting points

    Minor

    The methods describe a 1-to-7-point scale for perceived support, but the results describe it as rated from 0 to 7.

  • Initial Twitter cohort sizes differ between sections

    Minor

    The methods say the four initial cohorts had 11-12 people each, while the discussion says they had 10-11. Four cohorts of at most 11 also cannot accommodate all 47 Podcast+Mobile participants.

2 of 2

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. Pasanisi, F, 2001, Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis, 11, 401
  2. Smith, CF, 2000, Diabetes Spectr, 13, 142

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Turner-McGrievy, G., & Tate, D.
Affiliations
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (US)
ORCID
Tate, Deborah
Venue
Journal of Medical Internet Research
Publisher
JMIR Publications Inc.
Published
2011-12-20
Volume
13
Issue
4
Pages
e120
ISSN
1438-8871 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.2196/jmir.1841
PMC
PMC3278106
OpenAlex
W2081384957
Semantic Scholar
2e8fdafa8ca23f5bfab181efc641e34dbdd1ad7f
Cited by
263
References
40
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 27 · 2018: 26 · 2017: 28 · 2016: 30 · 2015: 34 · 2014: 28 · 2013: 16 · 2012: 5
FWCI
29.07
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • Journal of Medical Internet Research (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Pharmacy › Obesity and Health Practices
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
Keywords
weight loss, podcasts, mobile health, Twitter, social support, user control, elaboration, overweight adults, digital health interventions, user engagement, user satisfaction
MeSH terms
Adult, Diet, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Motor Activity, Internet, Electronic Mail, Cell Phone, Webcasts as Topic, Blogging, Weight Reduction Programs

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-10.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-10.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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