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Diet Quality and Use of a Personal Digital Assistant: Transitioning from the Standard Paper Diary to Electronic Diaries

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Diet Quality

Part of the book series: Nutrition and Health ((NH))

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Abstract

Obesity is a chronic disorder caused by complex interactions among genetic, metabolic, cultural, environmental, and psychosocial factors. The recent 2009–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicated no change in the prevalence rate of obesity among adults from the previous 6 years (2003–2008) with 35.5 % of men and 35.8 % of women being obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥30) [1]. The same survey showed that the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents was 16.9 % [2] indicating that obesity is still a significant public health problem. Research has demonstrated several health benefits by as little as 5–10 % reduction in excess body weight [3]. Efforts to improve weight loss have focused on standard behavioral treatment (SBT) programs that require lifestyle changes such as adopting healthy eating and exercise habits. A healthy and safe approach to weight loss includes creating a caloric deficit such as a reduction in total caloric intake by 500–1,000 kcal/day, which is expected to result in a weight loss of 1–2 lb per week [4]. Additionally, it is recommended that one engage in a moderate intensity aerobic physical activity program for a minimum of 30 min 5 days per week or vigorous intensity aerobic activity for at least 20 min 3 days per week [5]. The third component of SBT is use of behavior strategies such as goal setting, self-monitoring, and provision of feedback on progress made toward the goals [6]. Despite increasing emphasis on greater dietary intake of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, intake of these foods is well below the recommended levels [7], and new methods for supporting individuals in making long-term, healthful dietary changes are needed.

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Abbreviations

apps:

Applications

BMI:

Body mass index

DMS:

Diabetes monitoring system

GI:

Glycemic index

GL:

Glycemic load

HbA1c:

Glycated hemoglobin

NHANES:

National health and nutrition examination survey

PDA:

Personal digital assistant

SBT:

Standard behavioral treatment

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Sushama D. Acharya

  2. School of Nursing, School of Public Health, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA

    Lora E. Burke

  3. School of Nursing, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Britney N. Beatrice

Authors
  1. Sushama D. Acharya
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  2. Lora E. Burke
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  3. Britney N. Beatrice
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lora E. Burke .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences, School of Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, United Kingdom

    Victor R. Preedy

  2. Rosemead Surgery, 8A Ray Park Avenue, Maidenhead, SL6 8DS, Berkshire, United Kingdom

    Lan-Anh Hunter

  3. Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW, United Kingdom

    Vinood B. Patel

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Acharya, S.D., Burke, L.E., Beatrice, B.N. (2013). Diet Quality and Use of a Personal Digital Assistant: Transitioning from the Standard Paper Diary to Electronic Diaries. In: Preedy, V., Hunter, LA., Patel, V. (eds) Diet Quality. Nutrition and Health. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7315-2_25

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7315-2_25

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-7314-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-7315-2

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