Mobile apps for weight management in children and adolescents; An updated systematic review

Abstract

Objective: Considering inconclusive data regarding the possible effects of mobile applications on anthropometric measures (e.g. body mass index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference, fat mass) and physical activity (e.g. steps or METS) in paediatric subjects, the present systematic review was conducted to clarify this issue.

Methods: Online databases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Embase, and Ovid were searched, and also a hand search through Google Scholar, PsycINFO, and grey literature was done up to December 2020 to find all relevant studies.

Results: Nine studies were included in this review (n = 978 participants). Five of the studies utilized a mobile app as an independent intervention. Using mobile applications resulted in a lower body mass index in two studies, while only one study reported a decrease in body weight. Besides, significant improvement in physical activity as evidenced by higher step count was reported by only one study.

Conclusion: Nevertheless, the findings from these primary studies, although slightly mixed, provide support for further research with the implementation of mobile apps as an additional approach for combating childhood obesity.

Practice implications: We recommend to raise attention towards and interest in the mobile app for childhood obesity prevention and treatment.

Keywords: Childhood obesity; Mobile application; Mobile technology; Physical activity; Systematic review.