
SummaryObjectiveTo systematically review and meta‐analyze randomized controlled trials on the effects of technology‐based interventions for maintenance of lost weight.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials with at least one intervention arm delivered through the internet or mobile application, published in English until September 2021. Weight change at the end of the weight loss maintenance phase was considered the primary outcome.ResultsTwelve manuscripts with 2941 adults were included in the review; 10 studies were meta‐analyzed. Included interventions had a duration of 3–30 months and were tested compared with minimum interventions (no contact with the study staff or intervention with only a limited number of features) or in‐person groups. Technology‐based interventions resulted in similar weight regain when compared with minimum interventions (ES = −0.07 kg; 95% CI = [−0.57, 0.42]; p = 0.770). However, when compared with in‐person interventions, technology‐based interventions were found to lead in significantly higher weight regain (ES = 1.36 kg; 95% CI = [0.29, 2.43]; p = 0.010).ConclusionWeb‐ and app‐based interventions for weight loss maintenance produced similar results with minimum interventions and resulted in greater weight regain compared with in‐person interventions. Appropriate interventions for weight loss maintenance provide benefits against weight regain, only when provided in‐person.
Adult, Technology, digital health, Sustainable Development Goals, weight regain, Weight Gain, 796, weight management, Weight Loss, Humans, Obesity, weight loss, electronic health, SDG 3, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Adult, Technology, digital health, Sustainable Development Goals, weight regain, Weight Gain, 796, weight management, Weight Loss, Humans, Obesity, weight loss, electronic health, SDG 3, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 17 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
