Experiences of Adolescents with Obesity who Completed a Self-Weighing Feasibility Study

Background: Daily self-weighing is an evidenced-based weight-management strategy but has not been assessed in adolescents. We report results from qualitative exit interviews soliciting perspectives of participants and their parents following a single-arm feasibility study using smart scales connected to the electronic health record (EHR) among adolescents seeking obesity treatment. Methods: Adolescents seeking obesity treatment in a comprehensive pediatric weight management clinic were enrolled in a feasibility study assessing the use of smart scales connected to the clinic EHR. Inclusion criteria included age 12–18 years and body mass index ³95 ^th percentile for age and sex. Exclusion criteria included active eating disorders and severe depression/anxiety. At enrollment, participants received a one-time daily self-weigh suggestion and a handout about scale connection to the EHR. Interviews were transcribed, recorded, and conducted separately from parents unless requested otherwise. Results: The main theme was related to past weight-loss journey. Sub-themes included: intervention experience, parental involvement, being told by clinicians to weigh, and intervention impact. Most parents desired help connecting the app to the EHR. Most parents did not ask daily about weight status to not cause stress/anxiety. Some adolescents felt stressed when parents asked about weight status daily, some found it helpful. Most participants were never advised by their clinician to regularly self-weigh, but found daily self-weigh helpful. Most requested reminders to weigh from clinic and for feedback on weight between visits. Conclusions: Overall, adolescents with obesity reported self-weighing being helpful and most wanted some parent involvement. Most parents wanted additional technological support with scale set-up.