Multicenter randomized evaluation of a nutritional education software in obese patients

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Medical Informatics
• Obesity Management

Background:

• Obesity is a significant public health concern requiring effective management strategies.
• Nutritional education is a cornerstone of weight management interventions.
• Digital health tools show promise in supporting patient education and adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Nutri-Expert nutritional education software in managing obese adult patients.
• To compare the impact of Nutri-Expert versus traditional management on health outcomes.
• To assess the long-term effects of the intervention on body mass index (BMI).

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 557 obese patients across 16 French centers.
• Two groups: traditional management (nutritional visits) and Nutri-Expert software use.
• Assessment of BMI, dietetic knowledge, dietary records, and biological measurements at baseline, 6, and 12 months.

Main Results:

• The Nutri-Expert group demonstrated significantly improved dietetic knowledge compared to the control group.
• Both groups showed significant improvements in BMI, dietary records, and biological measurements.
• No significant differences in BMI changes were observed between the groups at 1 year or 5 years post-study.

Conclusions:

• Nutri-Expert effectively enhances nutritional knowledge in obese patients.
• The software can serve as a valuable adjunct or partial replacement for traditional management, especially when frequent visits are not feasible.
• Nutritional education, whether traditional or software-assisted, contributes to positive health outcomes in obesity management.