Digital nudging techniques for behaviour change in lifestyle medicine: a scoping review

Digital nudging has emerged as a promising strategy for promoting health-related behaviour change within the context of Lifestyle Medicine (LM). This scoping review systematically mapped the current evidence on digital nudging interventions across pillars of LM, including nutrition, physical activity (PA), mind-body health, sleep, and addiction. A total of 52 studies were included, covering a range of technologies, such as mobile apps, web-based platforms, augmented reality, chatbots, and voice-activated systems. These technologies served as platforms or mechanisms for delivering digital nudges rather than constituting distinct nudging categories. Through thematic analysis, digital nudging interventions were categorised into four types: (i) one-way nudging, (ii) nudging through system interactions, (iii) nudging via peer interaction, and (iv) self-nudging. Nutrition and physical activity were the most frequently targeted LM domains, accounting for more than three-quarters of the studies. The review highlights the potential of digital nudges to drive behaviour change, particularly when integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) or advanced technologies. However, gaps remain, including short-term study designs, limited diversity in participant populations, and underrepresentation of certain LM pillars. Future research should prioritise long-term studies with broader and more diverse populations. Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial to advancing the design and implementation of effective digital nudging strategies in lifestyle medicine.