Adherence
SMS-based interventions for lifestyle behavior change (diet, physical activity, smoking cessation) show mixed results, with some trials demonstrating significant improvements in smoking cessation and dietary quality, while others show no benefit for weight loss or physical activity.
Text message programs can be a helpful tool for quitting smoking or improving your diet, but they are less reliable for weight loss or increasing exercise on their own. Look for programs that send personalized messages and allow you to reply, rather than generic blasts. If you are trying to lose weight, combine SMS reminders with other strategies like in-person counseling or structured exercise programs.
Studies of SMS interventions focused on promoting a more healthy diet, weight loss, and physical activity in HICs have shown mixed results.
Why this rating
The paper explicitly states 'mixed results' and cites multiple trials with varying outcomes.
Source
Mobile Health Devices as Tools for Worldwide Cardiovascular Risk Reduction and Disease Management
John D. Piette et al. · Circulation · 2015
DOI 10.1161/circulationaha.114.008723
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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