mHealth Applications: A Tool for Behaviour Change in Weight Management

Abstract

Obesity has become a public concern all over the world and weight management is of interest to consumers. Heavy intake of food and lack of exercise are the foremost factors for obese condition. Self-management programs are essential for the prevention and treatment of obesity and weight management. Mobile health (m-Health) applications for weight management can be a useful tool in monitoring behaviour and self-management programs, thus engaging consumers in lifestyle changes to mitigate the risk of obesity. The aim of this review is to identify and compare the features supported in mHealth applications for weight management.

Keywords: Obesity; information-motivation-behavioural skills model; persuasive technology; weight management.