Incorporating a Static Versus Supportive Mobile Phone App Into a Partial Meal Replacement Program With Face-to-Face...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Health Technology
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Mobile apps show potential for improving adherence in health interventions, but evidence is mixed.
• Limited research exists on the impact of feature-rich mobile apps in weight management, especially with added face-to-face support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile app integrated with a partial meal replacement and face-to-face support program.
• To compare a static app versus a supportive app over six months for weight loss, biomarker changes, and psychological outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Overweight and obese adults were randomized into two groups: one receiving a supportive app and the other a static app, both with equal face-to-face support.
• The supportive app included interactive features like food logging and rewards, while the static app offered recipes and information.
• Participants were followed for six months in a randomized trial.

Main Results:

• The supportive app demonstrated higher user retention over 24 weeks, but no significant differences in weight loss were observed between the groups.
• Nearly 60% of all participants achieved a 5% or greater body weight reduction.
• No significant differences in weight-related biomarkers were found; however, the static app group showed a greater increase in positive mood.

Conclusions:

• A supportive mobile app, when combined with face-to-face support, offered minimal added benefit over a static app in a community weight loss program.
• Future app development should incorporate more advanced behavioral techniques to enhance efficacy.
• The study highlights the importance of continued user engagement and personalized interventions in weight management.