Date Approved

2015

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Health Sciences

Committee Member

Rubina S. Haque, Ph.D., R.D., Chair

Committee Member

Anahita Mistry, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Colleen DeBoer, M.S., R.D., L.D.N.

Abstract

Background: Dietitians play an important role in weight management. Self-monitoring of food intake is an effective tool for weight management. As smartphones gain popularity, many individuals are using smartphone apps for diet tracking to lose weight.

Objective: To determine the dietitians’ perception on whether their involvement with the use of smartphone weight loss apps results in increased patient/client adherence and increased weight loss.

Methods: An online survey was completed by 2,532 weight management dietitians. Paired t-tests were used to determine dietitians’ perceptions on patient/client adherence and weight loss using smartphone apps with dietitian intervention compared to without dietitian intervention (p<.05).

Results/Conclusion: Eighty-three percent of weight management dietitians recommended smartphone weight loss apps. Dietitians’ perceive adherence with smartphone apps to be significantly greater with dietitian feedback than without dietitian feedback (p=.000). Dietitians also perceive weight loss with smartphone apps to be significantly greater with dietitian feedback than without dietitian feedback (p=.000).

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