Evidence Summary
What is an Evidence Summary?
Key messages from scientific research that's ready to be acted on
Got It, Hide thisMobile technology may support weight loss in overweight or obese adults in the short term; but long term impact is unknown.
Bacigalupo R, Cudd P, Littlewood C, et al. Interventions employing mobile technology for overweight and obesity: An early systematic review of randomized controlled trials Obesity Reviews. 2012; 14: 279-291
Review question
Does mobile technology effectively support weight loss in overweight or obese adults?
Background
Those who are overweight or obese are at higher risk for health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. As mobile technologies become more accessible they may be used to provide interventions to promote weight loss.Â
How the review was done
This review included 7 studies with 584 overweight or obese adults. In all studies participants learned about diet and exercise to support weight loss, and carried a mobile device such as a pager or mobile phone with them all day. In some studies the mobile device was used to send motivational messages to participants, in other studies participants used the mobile device to record what they ate and how much they exercised. Some interventions included a financial component either as an incentive or disincentive (i.e. owed money if weight targets were not met). The interventions lasted between 9 weeks and 1 year.
What the researchers found
In the short term, those who received the intervention tended to lose more weight than those who did not and this finding is statistically significant. However, given total weight loss was measured rather than percentage of body weight, it is not possible to determine if the amount of weight lost by those receiving the intervention is sufficient to lower the risk of health problems caused by being overweight or obese. Long term impact is not known given only 1 of 7 studies reported weight loss at 1 year. In the one study that measured weight loss for up to 1 year, weight loss did not continue after six months, but 25% of participants maintained a clinically meaningful amount of weight loss at 1 year follow up.
Conclusion
There is evidence that mobile technology interventions may support weight loss in some, but not all overweight and obese adults in the short-term. More research is needed to determine the long term impact (over 1 year) on weight loss.
Related Evidence Summaries
-
Nutritional strategies can improve body composition in underweight and overweight older adults
JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports (2016) -
Exercise alone, and in combination with different fall prevention strategies may lower the risk of falls leading to injuries in older adults 65 and over
JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association (2017) -
Developing community-based coalitions and developing competences of older adults are important to promote physical activity
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2017)
Related Web Resources
-
Patient education: Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient informationPelvic floor muscles work to support the organs in the pelvis, such as the bladder and rectum. When these muscles are weakened—naturally through age, an injury, or some other contributing factor—it can result in urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic floor exercises (i.e. Kegel exercises) can help to enhance the strength of these muscles and improve symptoms. -
After a stroke: Does fitness training improve health and mobility?
Informed Health OnlineFitness training after a stroke can improve physical fitness and mobility, but can require a lot of effort and motivation. Examples of fitness training include Nordic walking, treadmills, or exercise bikes. -
Too fit to fracture: Managing osteoporosis through exercise
Osteoporosis CanadaIf you have osteoporosis, it is recommended to exercise regularly. A physical therapist or kinesiologist can give you advice on what type of exercise is best for you. You should do a combination of strength, posture, balance, and aerobic exercise.
Register for free access to all Professional content
RegisterOur Content
About
Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. .
