Effect of Mobile Health on Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to examine the effects of mobile health (mHealth), using mobile phones as an intervention for weight loss in obese adults.MethodsAn electronic search was carried out using multiple databases. A meta-analysis of selected studies was performed. The effects of mHealth were analyzed using changes in body weight and body mass index (BMI).ResultsWe identified 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2,318 participants who fit our inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed that body weight was reduced with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of −2.35 kg (95% confidence interval [CI], −2.84 to −1.87). An examination of the impact of duration of intervention showed that weight loss was greater after 6 months of mHealth (WMD = −2.66 kg) than between three and four months (WMD = −2.25 kg); it was maintained for up to 9 months (WMD = −2.62 kg). At 12 months, weight loss was reduced to a WMD of −1.23 kg. BMI decreased with a WMD of −0.77 kg/m2 (95% CI, −1.01 to −0.52). BMI changes were not statistically significant at 3 months (WMD = −1.10 kg/m2), but they were statistically significant at 6 months (WMD = −0.67 kg/m2).ConclusionsThe use of mHealth for obese adults showed a modest short-term effect on body weight and BMI. Although the weight loss associated with mHealth did not meet the recommendation of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network, which considers a reduction of approximately 5 to 10 kg of the initial body weight as a successful intervention. Well-designed RCTs are needed to reveal the effects of mHealth interventions.

A systematic review with meta‐analyses of text message‐delivered behaviour change interventions for weight loss and weight loss maintenance

“…Weight loss effects reported here are comparable in magnitude to other reviews that include a SMS within multicomponent mHealth interventions . For example, a systematic review examining mobile health interventions including SMS for adults with obesity reported a weight effect of −2.35 kg (95% CI, −2.84 to −1.87 kg), similar to −2.28 kg (95% CI −3.17, − 1.39 kg) found in the current review.…”

“…This review did not find differences in weight loss effects on the basis of intervention duration, SMS‐frequency, use of theory, SMS interactivity, and SMS tailoring. A previous systematic review of mobile health interventions found highest weight loss effects at 6 months with a reduction in effects sizes at 12 months, which remained statistically significant . The current review found a similar pattern of effects sizes, typical for weight loss results over time .…”

“…The effectiveness of weight management interventions delivered via SMS remains unclear. Several systematic reviews have shown promising results for behaviour change and weight management interventions which include SMS alongside other components . A systematic review of weight management interventions using SMS reports a weighted mean change in intervention participants of −2.56 kg (95% CI, −3.46 to −1.65 kg) based on six studies .…”

“…An additional systematic review of SMS‐delivered weight maintenance interventions reported a weighted effect size of −0.82 kg (95% CI −1.43 to −0.21 kg) based on three studies, suggesting potential for SMS to support weight loss maintenance following weight loss. Another systematic review of mobile phone delivered weight management interventions on weight change in adults with obesity found a weighted effect size of −2.35 kg (95% CI, −2.84 to −1.87 kg) based on 20 studies . This review examined the association between intervention duration and weight loss.…”

Effect of electronic health interventions on metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Our results showed significant reductions in body weight, BMI and WC, which was in line with the suggested significant benefits of eHealth interventions in regard to body weight, BMI and WC in the two studies. 38 39 Weight loss is the cornerstone of MetS management. 40 Weight loss has beneficial impacts on MetS.…”