JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Childhood and adolescent obesity is a growing global health issue linked to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Digital health technologies, including mobile apps and web-based programs, offer scalable tools to improve health behaviors, but their effectiveness in youth populations remains unclear.

Objective:

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile and web-based digital interventions in promoting healthy diets, reducing obesity risk, increasing physical activity, and improving nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes among children and adolescents.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases, along with hand-searching reference lists of key systematic reviews. The search encompassed records published up to 30 September 2024. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials targeting dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, or nutrition-related attitudes and knowledge among participants aged ≤18 years. Screening, full-text eligibility assessment, and data extraction were done partly in duplicate (20%) (k = 0.86 for title/abstract screening and k = 0.71 for full-text eligibility assessment and k = 0.78 data extraction). Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (k = 0.71 for interrater reliability of 20% duplicate evaluation). Data were synthesized narratively.

Results:

From 300 records screened, a total of 37 articles (34 studies) were included. Interventions included games, 21 studies out of 34 (62%), mobile apps, web-based programs, and other digital tools. Among the included studies, 23 studies out of 34 (68%) reported positive outcomes for at least one measured variable. Fruit intake improved in 17 studies out of 34 (50%) assessing fruit intake, while 7 out of 34 studies (21%) targeting sugar-sweetened beverage consumption showed reductions. Improvements in nutrition knowledge were reported in 23 studies out of 34(68%), but changes in anthropometric measures and physical activity outcomes did not have an effect. Risk of bias was low for random sequence generation but high or unclear in other domains for many studies.

Conclusions:

Mobile and web-based interventions, particularly game-based tools, show promise for promoting healthy dietary behaviors and increasing nutrition knowledge in children and adolescents. However, the evidence for long-term sustainability and impact on anthropometric and physical activity outcomes remains limited. Future research should focus on understanding which digital features drive effectiveness, extending follow-up periods, and exploring the role of family involvement in interventions. Clinical Trial: This protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42023423512.