Effect of telemedicine interventions on weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objectiveObesity and its associated health challenges represent a pressing global concern. Telemedicine interventions offer a promising solution for effective weight loss support. This study examines the impact of telemedicine interventions on weight loss support.MethodsWe conducted a search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, starting from their inception. Both researchers systematically selected articles and extracted data using a designated data collection form. To assess the risk of bias in the included studies, we employed the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Publication bias was evaluated through funnel plots and Egger's and Begg's tests. Utilizing the gathered data, we computed the standardized mean differences (Hedges's g) between the treatment and control groups. We estimated heterogeneity variance using the Q test and I² statistic. The analysis was carried out using Stata 17.0.ResultsOut of a total of 2626 retrieved articles, 30 studies were included in the analysis. Telemedicine interventions can cause weight loss in people (Hedges's g = 0.09, 95% CI: -0.13, 0.39; p-value < 0.001). The type of telemedicine intervention and target population were a significant moderator of the heterogeneity between studies (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis study highlights the potential of telemedicine interventions as valuable tools in weight loss programs. Embracing these technologies can enhance the effectiveness of weight management strategies for diverse populations.