A scoping review to explore the effectiveness of the features of mobile application on interventions for adult overweight and obesity

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: the obesity rate is a major public health concern worldwide. mHealth technology using mobile apps has shown positive effects on the adherence to beneficial behavioural changes among overweight and obese adults in a short term maximum of 24 months. However, the long-term impacts of these app features have not yet been explored. Objectives: To map the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of different mobile app features to support behavioural change interventions for weight management among overweight and obese individuals and increase their adherence to the apps. Method: A systematic search was conducted from June until July 2019 to identify relevant studies of the different app features’ effects in terms of weight management and increased adherence of adult individuals. Three databases (CINAHL, PubMed and Embase) were searched using the following keywords: obesity, adult, mhealth, mobile apps. The included studies examined the primary outcome, which is weight loss and a decreased BMI, and the secondary outcome involving adherence, psychological measurement, and login frequency, Results: of the 13 included studies (11 RCTs) and two retrospective studies, the majority measured the effects of different app features on weight changes and adherence level. The studies participants’ age ranged from 18 to 60; the sample sizes ranged from 51 to 365; the length of the trial were ranged from 12 weeks to 24 months; post intervention follow-up were measured in one study. The most positive results were associated with using multicomponent features as social networks, tailored diets, and physical activity accompanied with tailored feedback on app users’ progress. Five studies reported significant weight loss, P<0.05. Furthermore, one study reported significant adherence among the participants regarding using mobile apps compared to paper journal and website. Conclusion: The included data cannot be conclusive due to the absence of rigorous data that assess the app features’ effects on increasing users’ adherence and weight loss. Further studies using larger simple sizes for a longer-term analysis of the post-intervention period is advisable.