What is the evidence for personalised technological devices in the management of obesity? A rapid review
Publication Details
El-Mohamed, J.,
Parkin, C.,
Kanjo, E.,
Dixon, J.,
&
Jiwa, M.
(2016).
What is the evidence for personalised technological devices in the management of obesity? A rapid review.
Journal of Health Design, 1 (1), 6-15.
Abstract
Background: The optimal approach to weight management has not yet been identified. The research question for this rapid review was: What is the evidence for personalised health promotion in obesity? The following PICO format was used:
- Population—overweight and obese adults (BMI ≥ 25) aged 18 years and older
- Intervention—any form of information technology targeting weight loss for a period of at least three months
- Comparison—no information technology used for assistance in weight loss
- Outcome—weight loss.
Aims: This review considers the effectiveness of novel methods to manage obesity, particularly focusing on information technology and smartphones in primary health settings.
Method: CINAHL and MEDLINE databases were searched for articles published between 2009 and 2015. The journals Obesity and Journal of Medical Internet Research were independently searched. In addition, manual searches from bibliographies of the included studies, important systematic reviews and meta-analyses were conducted. In total, 223 articles were identified.
Conclusion: Regular self-monitoring is currently seen as the most effective strategy leading to weight loss in overweight and obese populations. Both IT and non-IT methods are available, but there is no evidence to suggest that one is more effective than the other at instigating this weight loss.
Keywords
personalised technological devices, management, obesity
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