The Effectiveness of eHealth Interventions for Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews

Abstract

Purpose of Review The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of eHealth interventions for weight loss and weight loss maintenance among adults with overweight or obesity through a systematic review of systematic reviews. Recent Findings This study included 26 systematic reviews, covering a total of 338 original studies, published between 2018 and 2023. The review indicates that eHealth interventions are more effective than control interventions or no care and comparable to face-to-face interventions. The effect sizes remain relatively small when comparing eHealth interventions to any control conditions, with mean differences of weight loss results from − 0.12 kg (95% CI − 0.64 to 0.41 kg) in a review comparing eHealth interventions to face-to-face care to − 4.32 kg (− 5.08 kg to − 3.57 kg) in a review comparing eHealth interventions to no care. The methodological quality of the included studies varies considerably. However, it can be concluded that interventions with human contact work better than those that are fully automated. Summary In conclusion, this systematic review of systematic reviews provides an updated understanding of the development of digital interventions in recent years and their effectiveness for weight loss and weight loss maintenance among adults with overweight or obesity. The findings suggest that eHealth interventions can be a valuable tool for delivering obesity care to more patients economically. Further research is needed to determine which specific types of eHealth interventions are most effective and how to best integrate them into clinical practice.

Effects of low-volume functional and running high-intensity interval training on physical fitness in young adults with overweight/obesity

“…Typical HIIT regimes (e.g., HIIT-R) typically involve traditional exercise modalities such as running, cycling, and rowing ( Buckley et al, 2015 ). However, these may result in low adherence among recreationally active individuals due to factors such as limited environments, facilities, a lack of variety ( Kupila et al, 2023 ), and necessary supervision in the real-world setting ( ROY et al, 2018 ). Therefore, HIIT-F has gained intense attention among various populations ranging from healthy individuals to participants with chronic diseases for its functional movement pattern, resistance-based protocol, intrinsic motivation ( Heinrich et al, 2014 ), and benefits for metabolic profiles ( Nieuwoudt et al, 2017 ; Fealy et al, 2018 ).…”

“…For instance, sarcopenic obesity, a complex condition constituting the coexistence of skeletal muscle mass loss and excess adiposity, is considered a severe medical condition associated with diminished quality of life and increased risk of mortality ( Axelrod et al, 2023 ). Limited environments, costs, facilities, and lack of time and variation are the most common barriers to engaging in regular exercise ( Bartlett et al, 2011 ; Kupila et al, 2023 ). Therefore, alternative, adaptable, and affordable exercise options that do not require traditional gym facilities are necessary.…”

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Weight Loss Maintenance Program in Adults with Obesity: The WLM3P Study

“…The incorporation of dietary supplements in a WL program may have the potential to work synergistically or additively to improve metabolic health outcomes through diverse mechanisms, including modulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, appetite reduction via central nervous system interaction, in uence on intestinal microbiota activity, and increased energy expenditure [21,22] . Furthermore, digital platforms have been increasingly integrated into WL programs to improve adherence, track progress, and access resources that meet contemporary needs [23,24] . In summary, weight management programs should be intensive and multicomponent interventions, including: 1) two active phases [WL phase (≥ 14 sessions in 6 months) to promote a clinically signi cant WL ≥ 5% and weight maintenance phase (≥ 1 year) focusing on sustaining WL], 2) individual or group counselling sessions; 3) negative energy balance; 4) nutritional recommendations, 5) physical activity advice; and 6) use of behavioral strategies [5][6][7] .…”

“…In addition, WLM3P program has a mobile/web platform with visual progress charts, dietary prescriptions, and goals de nitions, setting to enhance therapeutic adherence [24] . Several studies have explored the use of digital health solutions for obesity and have shown promising results in promoting eating behavior change and WL [23] .…”

Patient Adherence to a Real-World Digital, Asynchronous Weight Loss Program in Australia That Combines Behavioural and GLP-1 RA Therapy: A Mixed Methods Study

“…At present, peer-reviewed research on the quality and safety of real-world DWLSs is scarce. Most studies in this field have investigated DWLSs providing stand-alone behavioural therapy [ 24 , 25 ] which, while important in its own ways, does not come close to the scale of potential benefits, risks, and present-day uptake of GLP-1 RA-supported DWLSs. To our knowledge, less than a handful of peer-reviewed studies have been published on a service of the latter description, all of which pertain to the Eucalyptus (Juniper) DWLS.…”