Effect of a mobile phone application for dietary self-monitoring on obesity in adolescents: a pilot randomized...

The global prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is a growing concern, with significant implications for long-term health outcomes. Traditional weight loss programs focusing on diet and physical activity have shown limited efficacy. This study aimed to assess the impact of the FatSecret mobile application, a dietary self-monitoring tool, on BMI z-score (ZBMI) in adolescents with obesity, alongside clinical and metabolic parameters, body composition, dietary intake, binge eating behaviors, and quality of life.

Sixty adolescents aged 13-17 years with obesity were randomly assigned to either the application group (balanced energy-restricted diet with daily self-monitoring using the FatSecret app) or the control group (balanced energy-restricted diet with a 3-day food record). Both groups were followed for 6 months with monthly consultations, and 34 patients completed the intervention.

Both groups experienced significant improvements in ZBMI, body composition, binge eating scores, and insulin levels. Notably, the FatSecret app demonstrated comparable effectiveness to the validated 3-day food record in supporting weight loss and behavioral improvements. While the control group reported a greater increase in polyunsaturated fat intake, the app group showed significant improvements in pain-related quality of life scores. Adherence to dietary monitoring and dropout rates were similar between groups.

The use of a mobile phone application demonstrated effectiveness comparable to the traditional, validated 3-day food record in promoting weight loss and metabolic improvements among adolescents with obesity. These findings support its use as a practical alternative for dietary self-monitoring.