Mobile application interventions and weight loss in type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of mobile application (app) interventions on weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials examining the use of mobile app interventions with outcomes on weight loss evaluated by body weight or other measures such as BMI or waist circumference. A random-effects model was applied to obtain weight mean differences and 95% CIs.

RESULTS: Fourteen studies enrolling 2,129 patients with type 2 diabetes were included. Mobile app interventions could significantly reduce body weight (weight mean difference, -0.84 kg; 95% CI: -1.51 to -0.17 kg) and lower waist circumference (-1.35 cm; 95% CI: -2.16 to -0.55 cm) but may not decrease BMI (-0.08 kg/m2 ; 95% CI: -0.41 to 0.25 kg/m2 ). The reductions appeared to be more pronounced in patients with obesity or among studies using mobile app interventions combined with other behavior components. However, weight loss was not moderated by the functionalities of the mobile apps (all Pinteraction ?>?0.05) or by the intervention duration (all P?>?0.87).

CONCLUSIONS: Mobile app interventions lead to weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes and are worth recommending for weight loss promotion.