Adherence
Mobile phone app-based interventions result in statistically significant weight loss (mean -1.04 kg) and BMI reduction (mean -0.43 kg/m²) compared to control groups.
Use a mobile app designed for weight loss that allows you to track your food and activity. The app itself provides a small but significant advantage (about 1 kg more weight loss) compared to standard care. To make it work, choose an app that is easy to use and engaging, as sticking with it is the key to success.
Compared with the control group, use of a mobile phone app was associated with significant changes in body weight (kg) and body mass index (kg/m2) of -1.04 kg (95% CI -1.75 to -0.34; I2 = 41%) and -0.43 kg/m2 (95% CI -0.74 to -0.13; I2 = 50%), respectively.
Why this rating
It is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 studies, though heterogeneity was high for physical activity and some studies had high risk of bias.
Source
Mobile Phone Apps to Promote Weight Loss and Increase Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Gemma Flores‐Mateo et al. · Journal of Medical Internet Research · 2015
DOI 10.2196/jmir.4836
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