Effectiveness of Combined Health Coaching and Self-Monitoring Apps on Weight-Related Outcomes in People With Overweight and Obesity: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Self-monitoring smartphone apps and health coaching have both individually been shown to improve weight-related outcomes, but their combined effects remain unclear. Objective This study aims to examine the effectiveness of combining self-monitoring apps with health coaching on anthropometric, cardiometabolic, and lifestyle outcomes in people with overweight and obesity. Methods Relevant articles published from inception till June 9, 2022, were searched through 8 databases (Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science). Effect sizes were pooled using random-effects models. Behavioral strategies used were coded using the behavior change techniques taxonomy V1. Results A total of 14 articles were included, representing 2478 participants with a mean age of 39.1 years and a BMI of 31.8 kg/m2. Using combined intervention significantly improved weight loss by 2.15 kg (95% CI −3.17 kg to −1.12 kg; P<.001; I2=60.3%), waist circumference by 2.48 cm (95% CI −3.51 cm to −1.44 cm; P<.001; I2=29%), triglyceride by 0.22 mg/dL (95% CI −0.33 mg/dL to 0.11 mg/dL; P=.008; I2=0%), glycated hemoglobin by 0.12% (95% CI −0.21 to −0.02; P=.03; I2=0%), and total calorie consumption per day by 128.30 kcal (95% CI −182.67 kcal to −73.94 kcal; P=.003; I2=0%) kcal, but not BMI, blood pressure, body fat percentage, cholesterol, and physical activity. Combined interventional effectiveness was superior to receiving usual care and apps for waist circumference but only superior to usual care for weight loss. Conclusions Combined intervention could improve weight-related outcomes, but more research is needed to examine its added benefits to using an app. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42022345133; https://tinyurl.com/2zxfdpay

An umbrella review of effectiveness and efficacy trials for app-based health interventions

“…Sixteen reviews stated that they had registered or otherwise published a review protocol 17 , 19 , 25 , 34 , 35 , 38 , 40 – 42 , 47 , 48 , 51 , 54 , 56 , 60 , 62 . After checking these protocols, thirteen were rated as incomplete as they missed information on the search terms defining the search strategy (item 2) 17 , 19 , 34 , 38 , 40 , 41 , 47 , 48 , 51 , 54 , 56 , 60 , 62 .…”

“…Sixteen reviews stated that they had registered or otherwise published a review protocol 17 , 19 , 25 , 34 , 35 , 38 , 40 – 42 , 47 , 48 , 51 , 54 , 56 , 60 , 62 . After checking these protocols, thirteen were rated as incomplete as they missed information on the search terms defining the search strategy (item 2) 17 , 19 , 34 , 38 , 40 , 41 , 47 , 48 , 51 , 54 , 56 , 60 , 62 . All reviews searched at least two databases and provided their full search strategy in the final report, but 25 reviews 16 , 17 , 19 , 21 , 22 , 27 – 29 , 33 , 38 , 39 , 41 , 43 , 45 , 47 – 50 , 52 – 55 , 58 , 59 , 61 failed to justify publication restrictions, for example regarding language, entailing a “no” on item 4.…”

Validity of self-screening with the KOJI AWARENES™ test for range of motion and strength in healthy subjects

“…Subjects were included if they met the following criteria: (1) healthy, with no limitations in daily life activities; (2) aged between 20 and 60 years; and (3) no severe injuries in the last 3 months. Subjects were excluded if they met any of the following conditions: (1) severe psychiatric, neurological, or cardiovascular disease; (2) orthopedic disorder; (3) pregnancy; or (4) acute infectious disease. Prior to the measurement, all subjects provided written informed consent to participate in the study.…”

“…Self-checking of physical function and health status can help prevent disease and injury [1][2][3][4][5]. We developed the KOJI AWARENESS TM , a self-screening test to assess musculoskeletal functions, including flexibility and muscle strength.…”

Apps zur Gewichtsreduktion: Qualität, Nutzen, Empfehlungen

“…Insbesondere haben Verhaltensinterventionen mit persönlicher Unterstützung (human-based) den Gewichtserfolg gefördert[17]. Eine weitere Meta-Analyse kommt zu einem ähnlichen Ergebnis[18]. Schlussendlich, unterstützen digitale Ansätze die Adipositastherapie, werden allerdings die persönliche Betreuung durch eine qualifizierte Fachkraft nicht ersetzen.…”