Development of an Evidence-Based mHealth Weight Management Program Using a Formative Research Process

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Critical need for effective, accessible, and cost-efficient weight management solutions.
• Mobile health (mHealth) programs show potential for broad reach.
• Program content must integrate behavior change techniques and participant needs for success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an evidence-based mHealth weight management program (Horizon).
• Utilize formative research and a structured content development process.
• Adapt existing successful weight management programs for digital delivery.

Main Methods:

• Modified the UK Weight Action Program (WAP) for mHealth delivery (SMS and Internet).
• Employed an iterative, mixed-methods development process.
• Incorporated expert input on behavior change theory and target population feedback (focus groups, interviews, surveys).

Main Results:

• Identified core components for effective weight management: self-monitoring, intention formation, goal setting, feedback, and goal review.
• Target users preferred personalized, prompt, and informative messages.
• Users desired practical, localized information, culturally appropriate content, social support, and weight tracking features, with a preference for daily messages.

Conclusions:

• The Horizon prototype provides a foundation for future mHealth weight management interventions.
• Further development and a randomized controlled trial are necessary to establish effectiveness.