Validation of the SmartPlate for detecting food weight and type

Abstract

This study determined accuracy (comparing to criterion), inter-plate reliability (comparing measures between two plates), and intra-plate reliability (comparing successive measures on one plate) of the SmartPlate for food weight and type. Food weight validation included comparing SmartPlate weights to criterion [reference] scale weights (1,980 measures) and weights of 188 foods (2,256 measures). Food type validation included assessing SmartPlate accuracy for 188 foods. For weight, mean absolute percent errors for accuracy, inter-plate reliability, and intra-plate reliability were 6.2, 7.4, and 4.9%, respectively. For food type, foods were correctly identified/listed or searchable 67.0 or 98.9% of the time, respectively, with 76.0% inter-plate reliability and 86.3% intra-plate reliability. The SmartPlate had acceptable accuracy and reliability for assessing food weight and type and may be appealing for monitoring dietary surveillance or intervention. Due to high intra-plate reliability, the SmartPlate may be especially useful for one-on-one interventions and assessing change over time.

Keywords:

• Accuracy
• reliability
• surveillance
• intervention
• diet
• weight loss

Acknowledgment

There are no funding sources to report.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no association with the SmartPlate manufacturer or company. No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).