Accepted for/Published in: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Date Submitted: Dec 6, 2021
Date Accepted: Mar 11, 2022
Effectiveness of combining non-mobile interventions with the usage of smartphone applications with various app features for weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
The effectiveness of smartphone applications for weight loss is limited by the diversity of the interventions that accompany smartphone applications.
Objective:
To systematically review and perform a meta-analysis of the studies that evaluated the effectiveness of smartphone applications on weight loss in the context of other interventions combined with app usage.
Methods:
A systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant studies were conducted after an extensive search through the databases of Pubmed, Medline, and EBSCO from their inception to March 26, 2020. All randomized controlled and clinical trials that used smartphone applications (apps) at least in one of its arms for weight loss were included. The weight loss outcome was the change in weight from baseline to the three and 6-months periods for each arm. Net change estimates were pooled across the studies using random-effects models to compare the intervention group with the control group.
Results:
32 studies were included that evaluated the use of smartphone applications in at least one arm. Compared to controls, the use of a smartphone app-based intervention showed significant weight loss of -2.03 Kg (95% CI -2.57 to -1.5; I2=83%) at three months and -1.58 Kg (95% CI -2.42 to -0.74, I2=91%) at six months. In the subgroup analysis, based on the various intervention components that were added to the mobile app, only the combination of the mobile app, tracker, and behavioral interventions sSmartphone apps have a role in weight loss management. Nevertheless, the human-based behavioral component remained key to higher weight loss results.howed a statistically significant weight loss of -1.96 Kg (CI -2.76 to -1.15, I2=91%) and -2.40 Kg (CI -3.67 to -1.12, I2=91%) at 3 and 6 months, respectively. When a behavioral intervention was present, only the combination of the mobile app with intensive behavior coaching/feedback by a human coach showed a statistically significant weight loss of -1.8 Kg (CI -2.58 to -1.02, I2=89%) and -1.66 Kg (CI -2.90 to -0.43, I2=91%) at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Neither the type nor the number of mobile app features was associated with weight loss.
Conclusions:
Smartphone apps have a role in weight loss management. Nevertheless, the human-based behavioral component remained key to higher weight loss results. Clinical Trial: Not registered
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