Face-to-Face Versus Mobile Versus Blended Weight Loss Program: Randomized Clinical Trial

Area of Science:

• Obesity research
• Digital health interventions
• Behavioral medicine

Background:

• Conventional weight loss programs are resource-intensive for patients and providers.
• The efficacy of integrating mobile health (mHealth) apps into these programs is not fully understood.
• This study investigates the potential for partial completion of weight management through mHealth apps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of conventional, app-only, and combined conventional-app weight loss programs.
• To evaluate outcomes among overweight and obese adults (BMI >29 kg/m²).
• To assess weight reduction, BMI, metabolic risk factors, dietary patterns, and physical activity levels.

Main Methods:

• A single-blinded randomized controlled trial involving 81 obese adults over 12 weeks.
• Intervention groups: conventional face-to-face, app-based, and a combination (combi) program.
• Control group received no intervention; all groups received standardized dietary and physical activity advice.

Main Results:

• All intervention groups showed significantly greater weight loss (≥5% baseline) than the control group.
• The combined (combi) group demonstrated comparable effectiveness to the conventional program.
• The combi group showed a trend towards better weight loss than the app-only group and significantly improved BMI compared to the app group.

Conclusions:

• Weight loss programs can be partially delivered via mHealth apps without compromising effectiveness.
• Combining conventional and mHealth approaches offers a viable alternative for weight management.
• This hybrid model provides flexibility and maintains therapeutic outcomes.