EVIDENCE SUMMARY
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 84 moderate- to high-quality RCTs with 24,010 patients evaluated the use of “eHealth” interventions in preventing and treating overweight and obesity in adults 35 to 65 years of age (75% female).1 The studies included 183 active intervention arms with durations as long as 24 months (64% <6 months, 46% >6 months). The term eHealth included all forms of information technology used to deliver health care, but predominantly the Internet (Web site/Web-based), e-mail, and text messaging. Sixty percent (84) of eHealth interventional arms used one modality and 34% (47) used 2. Some intervention arms included non-eHealth modalities, such as paper-based measures and counseling.
The eHealth interventions were associated with significantly greater weight loss than minimal or no intervention (TABLE).1 Comparing eHealth interventions with no intervention showed significant differences by eHealth type (P=.05). The greatest weight loss accompanied interventions that combined Web-based measures with a non-eHealth intervention, (mean difference [MD]= −3.7 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], −4.46 to −2.94), followed by mobile interventions alone (MD= −2.4 kg; 95% CI, −4.09 to −0.71) and Web-based interventions alone (MD= −2.2 kg; 95% CI, −2.98 to −1.44).
Similarly, comparing combined interventions (eHealth + eHealth or eHealth + non-eHealth) with a minimal intervention control showed a trend for difference by eHealth type (P=.005). Only a combination of eHealth with non-eHealth interventions resulted in significantly greater weight loss (Web site + non-eHealth: MD= −2.7 kg; 95% CI, −3.76 to −1.54; text + non-eHealth: MD= −1.8 kg; 95% CI, −2.49 to −1.12; computer + non-eHealth: MD=1.1 kg; 95% CI, −1.36 to −0.89).
Personal coaching plus smartphone monitoring beats interactive app
A 3-arm RCT of 385 overweight and obese participants (mean body mass index [BMI], 35 kg/m2) 18 to 35 years of age compared the effectiveness of weight loss interventions delivered by interactive smartphone application (CP [cell phone]), personal coaching enhanced by smartphone self-monitoring (PC), and usual care (control).2 The PC arm attended 6 weekly group sessions and received monthly phone calls. The usual care arm received 3 handouts on healthy eating and physical activity.
The CP arm showed the least amount of weight loss (−0.9 kg, −1.5 kg, and −1.0 kg at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively) and no significant difference compared with controls at all measurement points. The PC arm had significantly greater weight loss than controls at 6 months (−1.9 kg; 95% CI, −3.17 to −0.67) and significantly greater weight loss than CP at 6 months (−2.2 kg; 95% CI, −3.42 to −0.97) and 12 months (−2.1 kg; 95% CI, −3.94 to −0.27). After 24 months, however, there was no significant difference in mean weight loss among treatment arms.
Automated behavioral program reduced weight and waist circumference
An RCT of 339 prediabetic, overweight, and obese patients 30 to 69 years old (mean BMI, 31 kg/m2) compared the effectiveness of Alive-PD, a fully automated, tailored, behavioral program, to usual care (control) for diabetes prevention.3 In addition to behavioral support, the program included weekly emails, Web-based tracking, a mobile phone app, and automated phone calls.
At 6 months, the intervention group had significantly greater mean weight loss (−3.4 kg vs −1.3 kg; P<.001), mean BMI (−1.1 kg/m2 vs −0.4 kg/m2; P<.001), and mean waist circumference (−4.6 cm vs 2.2 cm; P<.001).