The need for culturally-tailored smartphone applications for weight control

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Informatics
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Obesity affects 35% of US adults, projected to rise by 50% by 2030.
• Smartphone applications offer a low-cost method for disseminating weight control information.
• A gap exists in research-tested smartphone apps for weight control among culturally diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• Highlight the need for culturally tailored smartphone apps for weight control.
• Provide recommendations for future research in this area.
• Examine specific needs for Hispanic and Brazilian Americans.

Main Methods:

• Commentary discussing the current landscape of weight control apps.
• Identification of characteristic dietary patterns and app absence for Hispanic Americans.
• Assessment of needs for Brazilian Americans, including Portuguese speakers.

Main Results:

• Smartphone apps show potential for improving diet, nutrition, physical activity, and reducing obesity.
• Few randomized controlled trials exist for stand-alone weight loss apps focusing on self-monitoring.
• No published studies address apps for weight loss in Hispanic or Brazilian Americans.

Conclusions:

• Low-cost, effective e-Health interventions are crucial for promoting healthy lifestyles in diverse populations.
• Weight loss apps should utilize evidence-based, behaviorally-theorized approaches.
• Further research is needed for culturally tailored, accessible weight loss strategies, particularly for non-English speakers and varying health literacy levels.