The Role of Mobile Apps in Obesity Management: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Obesity is a growing public health concern worldwide, significantly contributing to premature mortality and noncommunicable diseases. Weight reduction through lifestyle interventions, including diet and physical activity, is the primary approach to combating obesity, with studies showing that a 5% to 10% reduction in body weight can notably reduce obesity-related complications. Recently, smartphone apps have emerged as popular tools to aid in weight loss. However, the effectiveness of smartphone-only apps for weight management in people with overweight or obesity without comorbidities remains unclear.

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of these apps in supporting weight loss and improving body composition in such populations.

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, with a search across databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and others. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials involving adults (aged ≥18 years) with overweight or obesity (BMI≥25 kg/m²) and assessing the use of smartphone-only apps for weight loss. Studies using additional devices or involving participants with comorbidities were excluded. Data extraction focused on weight loss, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool.

A total of 11 randomized controlled trials with 1717 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The interventions, lasting between 60 days and 12 months, involved diet and exercise monitoring via smartphone apps. At 4-6 months of follow-up, app-based interventions significantly reduced body weight (standardized mean difference -0.33, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.17; P<.001; I²=49%) and BMI (mean difference [MD] -0.76, 95% CI -1.42 to -0.10; P=.02). Reductions in body fat percentage were also observed at 3 months (MD -0.79, 95% CI -1.38 to -0.20; P=.009) and between 4 and 6 months (MD -0.46, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.20; P<.001). However, no significant effects on waist circumference were noted (P=.07).

Smartphone apps demonstrate a modest but statistically significant effect on weight loss and BMI reduction over a 4- to 6-month period in individuals with overweight or obesity. The effectiveness of these interventions appears limited beyond 6 months, with a tendency for weight regain. Many apps lack the personalized support necessary to sustain long-term weight loss, contributing to high dropout rates. Future development of weight loss apps should focus on enhanced customization to improve user adherence and long-term outcomes.

PROSPERO CRD42024570999; https://tinyurl.com/2xw6j4fy.