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From Bytes to Bites: Evaluating Weight Management Apps for Arabic Speakers.
Norah Alrasheedi1, Dari Alhuwail1,2
1Information Science Department, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
|August 8, 2025
Summary
Arabic weight management apps focus on design over health information quality. Commercial affiliations raise concerns, highlighting the need for expert collaboration to improve these tools for obesity management.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Digital Health
- Mobile Health
Background:
- Obesity is a significant global health challenge, with high prevalence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
- Lifestyle, cultural, and socioeconomic factors contribute to obesity in the MENA region.
- Smartphones are widely adopted, presenting an opportunity for digital health interventions like weight management apps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current landscape of Arabic-language weight management applications.
- To analyze the features, functionalities, and evidence-based practices of these apps.
- To identify areas for improvement in Arabic weight management apps.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of 17 Arabic weight management apps from Google Play and Apple App stores.
- Utilized the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) for app evaluation.
- Assessed apps for features, usability, information quality, and commercial affiliations.
Main Results:
- Most evaluated apps prioritize aesthetics and user-friendliness over the quality of health information.
- All reviewed apps have commercial affiliations.
- No apps showed contributions from governmental, healthcare, or academic institutions.
- Information quality was found to be significantly lower than usability and aesthetics.
Conclusions:
- Arabic weight management apps currently lack sufficient evidence-based information quality.
- The commercial nature and lack of expert input raise concerns about their suitability for clinical use.
- Collaboration between app developers and healthcare professionals is crucial for enhancing the utility and reliability of these digital health tools.
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