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Evidence-based strategies in weight-loss mobile apps
Sherry Pagoto1, Kristin Schneider, Mirjana Jojic
1University of Massachusetts Medical School (Pagoto, Jojic), Worcester.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|October 22, 2013
Summary
Commercial weight-loss mobile apps often lack key behavioral strategies from evidence-based interventions. These apps could be more effective by incorporating features that support motivation and problem-solving for users.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Behavioral Science
- Mobile Health Interventions
Background:
- Physicians face time constraints for weight-loss counseling.
- Limited resources exist for patient weight-loss support.
- Weight-loss mobile applications (apps) show potential but their alignment with evidence-based strategies is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess the inclusion of behavioral strategies from evidence-based interventions in commercial weight-loss apps.
- Identify technological features that enhance these behavioral strategies.
Main Methods:
- Coded 30 weight-loss mobile apps (iPhone/Android) for 20 behavioral strategies from the Diabetes Prevention Program.
- Data collected in January 2012 and analyzed in June 2012.
Main Results:
- Apps included an average of 18.83% of the 20 behavioral strategies.
- Seven strategies were absent in all analyzed apps.
- Barcode scanners (56.7%) and social networks (46.7%) were the most common features.
Conclusions:
- Weight-loss apps incorporate a limited number of evidence-based behavioral strategies.
- Crucial strategies for motivation, stress reduction, and problem-solving are frequently missing.
- Integrating additional strategies could enhance app utility for users with motivational difficulties.
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