Research
Adherence
Interactive technology-based interventions provide early but transient benefits for weight loss maintenance, showing no significant long-term advantage over self-directed control after 24 months.
Interactive technology tools (apps/websites) can help you maintain weight loss in the first 1-2 years, but their effectiveness diminishes over time. To sustain long-term results, consider combining digital tools with periodic personal check-ins or human support to prevent disengagement.
GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
At 30 months, weight regain did not differ between the interactive technology–based (5.2 kg) and self-directed groups (5.5 kg; mean difference −0.3 kg; 95% CI, −1.2 to 0.6 kg; P=.51); however, weight regain was lower in the interactive technology–based than in the self-directed group at 18 months (mean difference, −1.1 kg; 95% CI, −1.9 to −0.4 kg; P=.003) and at 24 months (mean difference, −0.9 kg; 95% CI, −1.7 to −0.02 kg; P=.04).
Why this rating
Large RCT with long follow-up.
Source
Comparison of Strategies for Sustaining Weight Loss<subtitle>The Weight Loss Maintenance Randomized Controlled Trial</subtitle>
Laura P. Svetkey · JAMA · 2008
DOI 10.1001/jama.299.10.1139
rct · n=1032Cited 751×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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