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Integrating technology into standard weight loss treatment: a randomized controlled trial
Bonnie Spring1, Jennifer M Duncan, E Amy Janke
1Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 680 N Lake Shore Dr, Ste 1220, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. bspring@northwestern.edu
JAMA Internal Medicine
|December 12, 2012
Summary
Adding mobile technology to physician-directed obesity treatment significantly improved weight loss. This approach, using personal digital assistants and coaching calls, offers a scalable way to enhance intensive weight management programs.
Area of Science:
- Obesity treatment and digital health interventions.
Background:
- Intensive obesity treatment faces scalability challenges.
- The impact of mobile technology on physician-directed weight loss outcomes is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of adding mobile technology to standard obesity treatment.
Main Methods:
- A 12-month, 2-arm randomized study involving 70 adults with a body mass index >25 and ≤40.
- Participants received either standard care or standard care plus a mobile technology system (personal digital assistants and coaching calls).
- Weight was measured at baseline and at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-ups.
Main Results:
- The mobile technology group lost a mean of 3.9 kg more than the standard group.
- The mobile group showed significantly greater odds of achieving 5% or more weight loss compared to the standard group.
Conclusions:
- Personal digital assistants and telephone coaching enhance short-term weight loss when combined with existing care.
- Mobile connective technology shows promise for scaling physician-directed weight loss treatments.
