Mobile applications in the management of obesity

Mobile applications are increasingly used to support overweight or obese people, in particular to induce behavioral changes. In this Cochrane review, researchers assessed the effects of mobile applications on overweight and obese adolescents and adults. A total of 18 studies including 2,703 participants were analyzed. Interventions lasted from 2 to 24 months, and the authors distinguished between medium-term (6 to < 12 months) and long-term (≥ 12 months) results. All studies involved adults, with a BMI of 27 to 50. No data were available for adolescents. The data analyzed did not allow us to conclude on a significant advantage of mobile applications. The studies are still incomplete, but more than thirty studies are currently underway, and could provide a better assessment of the benefits of these applications.