Using digital devices to help people lose weight: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose When fighting the burden of overweight and obesity, diet remains a powerful preventive factor. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate more efficient interventions on diet change by synthesising knowledge of previous weight loss programmes based on the use of digital devices. Design/methodology/approach Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses approach, a systematic literature review through five databases was undertaken focussed on the assessment of studies oriented towards diet change that incorporated digital devices including computers, tablets, mobile phones, portable and non-portable tracking devices. In total, 15 empirical studies (2004–2018) were identified and examined for efficacy and presence of theory and behaviour change techniques. Findings Digital devices supporting weight loss programmes have evolved rapidly over the past 15 years, from reminders using the short message system to self-quantification through mobile applications. Nine studies show a significant difference between conditions, in favour or one (or more) intervention arm. The remaining studies failed to find significance between conditions but were using a comparison with an active intervention, potentially indicating equivalent efficacy. A low level of theory use and use of behavioural techniques was evident. Research limitations/implications The literature review is limited to studies that have scientifically evaluated the (potential) weight loss associated with the weight loss intervention. This review could be put into perspective with other complementary research, in particular, qualitative research aimed at exploring participants’ motivations to use (or not) digital devices to lose weight. Social implications Given their low cost and the size of the overweight population, it appears that public health policies could integrate digital devices more strongly in their efforts to combat obesity. Social marketing can add its expertise to medical-based programmes which in return bring their need for more quantitative evaluation of the efficacy of the interventions. Originality/value Few previous reviews have examined the extent of the efficiency in digital diet change programmes. The review shows that, in general, digital interventions can support weight loss for adults; however, more studies are required to provide a strong evidence base for efficacy. Given their low cost and the size of the overweight population, public health policies could integrate these devices more strongly in their efforts to combat obesity. A theory-driven social marketing perspective could enhance development ensuring interventions are effective and valued by users.

Genetic nutrition programmes – disappointment or empowered health? Exploring consumer engagement to understand social health change

“…Overall, the use of digital interventions to enable social health change is an increasingly important topic for research in social marketing (Besson et al, 2020). The current study contributes to this domain by identifying how consumers use GPN health technologies.…”

“…Individual behaviour change is the seminal core of social marketing (Andreasen, 2002) and the success of social health programmes (Besson et al, 2020). In this vein, programmes are provided with the assumption that consumers voluntarily follow recommendations and are responsible for the programme's social impact (Wymer, 2011).…”

“…We look to digital tools that empower consumers to become active participants in their own change (Manikam and Russell-Bennett, 2016). Exploring digital tools via live interventions has been increasing; however, understanding what engages consumers with digital health devices remains limited (Besson et al, 2020). Therefore, understanding how consumers engage with digital-based GPN programmes becomes important to understand possibilities for social health change.…”

“…Specific to digital health change, engagement is viewed as an active network of interactions between consumers, applications and organisations (Besson et al, 2020). Moreover, van Doorn et al (2010) specified engagement as a dynamic and connected state between consumers and organisations.…”

“…As genomic science is at the forefront of social change in medicine, biotechnology and bioengineering (Galimberti et al, 2019), so too may the unique health programmes of GPN facilitate social change in marketing (Szak aly et al, 2021). In this vein, GPN may be recognised as an empowerment tool to promote health behaviour in consumers (Besson et al, 2020), delivering on broad social change (Carvalho and Mazzon, 2015).…”