SenseWear(R) Shown To Be Effective Behavioral Modification Tool For Weight Loss

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics;  Cardiovascular / Cardiology;  Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 31 May 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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BodyMedia, Inc., the pioneer in metabolic assessment and behavioral therapy solutions, announced today the first ever study results demonstrating that by incorporating the SenseWear(R) body monitoring system into weight loss intervention programs physicians can improve treatment outcomes. The results present positive evidence on the ability of SenseWear(R) to assess and report patients' daily metabolic behavior accurately and continuously which when provided to both patient and physician can contribute to behavioral change and improve health.

"One challenge for physicians and other healthcare professionals working with patients in behavioral weight loss programs is how to inform them about their own bodies and behaviors so they can impact their weight loss and overall health," said John Jakicic, Ph.D. an investigator in the study and chair of the department of Health and Physical Activity at the University of Pittsburgh. "We found that the SenseWear(R) Body Monitoring System provides a tool to inform patients' about their level of physical activity, which facilitates behavior change related to their disease management plan."

The study results, which were published in the April 2007 issue of Obesity, examined the effects of the SenseWear(R) Body Monitoring System on 57 patients enrolled in a 12-week behavioral weight loss intervention program. The results showed that weight loss was significantly greater among the patients who used SenseWear(R) continuously during the program. Their weight loss was nearly twice as great as those who used SenseWear(R) only intermittently.

Ideally suited for patients with chronic conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes, the SenseWear(R) Body Monitoring System delivers up-to-the-minute behavior data such as calories burned, physical activity and sleep to physicians and patients. This kind of information is the foundation to any behavioral change program intended to help manage metabolic disorders and promote weight loss. Patients and their physicians use the feedback to identify the behavior prescriptions and individual lifestyle that best promote weight loss and healthy living, ultimately lowering the risks associated with their chronic conditions.

"Until now physicians have not had an effective tool that encourages behavior modification in the millions of patients who are overweight or suffering from obesity in the U.S.," said Donna Wolf, Ph.D., clinical research manager for BodyMedia. "With the SenseWear(R) Body Monitoring System patients have a means to bridge the gap between clinicians' behavioral change recommendations and their ability to understand and adhere to them."

BodyMedia is also announcing the results of 10 clinical studies using the SenseWear(R) armband presented at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 54th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, La., May 30-June 2. The poster presentations include:

-- "Validation of the SenseWear(R) Pro ArmbandTM to Estimate Energy Expenditure during a Simulation of Daily Activity," presented by Alyssa Mealey of the University of Pittsburgh on Wednesday, May 30 at 9:30 a.m.

-- "Validation of the SenseWear(R) Pro ArmbandTM to Estimate Energy Expenditure During Resistance Training," will be presented by Lisa M. Mealey of the University of Pittsburgh on Wednesday, May 30 at 9:30 a.m.

-- "Does Clothing Affect the Accuracy of the SenseWear(R) Pro ArmbandTM to Estimate Energy Expenditure During Walking?" will be presented by Kelli K. Davis of the University of Pittsburgh on Wednesday, May 30 at 9:30 a.m.

-- "Validation of the Sensewear(R) Pro ArmbandTM to Assess the Energy Expenditure of Yoga Exercise," will be presented by Jessica L. Sharpenstein of the University of Louisville on Wednesday, May 30 at 9:30 a.m.

-- "Validity of the Sensewear(R) Pro ArmbandTM during Outdoor Cycling," will be presented by Elizabeth M. Mattson of the University of Louisville on Wednesday, May 30 at 9:30 a.m.

-- "Reliability and Validity of the Sensewear(R) Pro ArmbandTM During Continuous Functional Resistance Exercise," will be presented by Kara I. Gallagher, FACSM, of the University of Louisville on Wednesday, May 30 at 9:30 a.m.

-- "Measurement Agreement Between Two Pattern-Recognition Activity Monitors," will be presented by Miguel A. Calabro of Iowa State University on Wednesday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m.

-- "Comparison of Activity Monitors Accuracy to Estimate Energy Expenditure of Daily Living Activities," will be presented by Christel Galvani of Catholic University in Milan, Italy on Wednesday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m.

-- "Validity of the Bodymedia Sensewear(R) Pro2 ArmbandTM During Resting and Walking Conditions in Adolescents," will be presented by Jeffrey S. Hallam of the University of Mississippi on Wednesday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m.

-- "Validation of a Computerized 24 Hour Physical Activity Recall (24PAR) Instrument Using Pattern Recognition Monitors," will be presented by Gregory J. Welk, FACSM, of Iowa State University on Wednesday, May 30 at 5:00 p.m.

About BodyMedia, Inc.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, BodyMedia provides healthcare professionals with advanced metabolic assessment and behavioral therapy solutions for the treatment of obesity, diabetes and CVD. BodyMedia's patented body monitoring solutions track the daily activities of patients and process and transmit highly accurate health metrics including calories burned, activity levels, sleep state, and other important metabolic and lifestyle information. By increasing self-awareness among patients, particularly persons living with diabetes and obesity, BodyMedia's SenseWear(R) product line enables health practitioners to promote behavioral change and healthier lifestyles. For more information on the SenseWear(R) Body Monitoring System, visit our website at http://www.bodymedia.com.

BodyMedia
http://www.bodymedia.com