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E-Health and M-Health in Obesity Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of RCTs

M. Chiavarini, I. Giacchetta, P. Rosignoli, Roberto Fabiani

Nutrients, 2025

18 citations

Abstract

Background: Obesity in adults is a growing health concern. The principal interventions used in obesity management are lifestyle-change interventions such as diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy. Although they are effective, current treatment options have not succeeded in halting the global rise in the prevalence of obesity or achieving sustained long-term weight maintenance at the population level. E-health and m-health are both integral components of digital health that focus on the use of technology to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. The use of eHealth/mHealth might improve the management of some of these treatments. Several digital health interventions to manage obesity are currently in clinical trials. Objective: The aim of our systematic review is to evaluate whether digital health interventions (e-Health and m-Health) have effects on changes in anthropometric measures, such as weight, BMI, and waist circumference and behaviors such as energy intake, eating behaviors, and physical activity. Methods: A search was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted through 4 October 2024 through three databases (Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus). Studies were included if they evaluated digital health interventions (e-Health and m-Health) compared to control groups in overweight or obese adults (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and reported anthropometric or lifestyle behavioral outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2).…

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