Mobile Health Applications for Physical Activity and Dietary Behavior Change in Adults with Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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Abstract
Background: Obesity has emerged as a critical public health crisis of the 21st century. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 650 million adults worldwide are now living with obesity-a condition directly linked to an increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and various forms of cancer. This epidemic places a staggering burden on both global economies and healthcare systems. While lifestyle intervention remains the cornerstone of weight management, traditional face-to-face programs often face significant hurdles due to high costs and limited human resources. Consequently, mobile health (mHealth) applications have emerged as a high-potential alternative due to their cost-effectiveness. However, further up-to-date evidence is still required to fully evaluate their long-term efficacy in achieving sustained weight loss among adults with obesity.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of mHealth applications on weight change and health behavior modification among adults with obesity.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (N=3,633) were conducted. Literature searches were performed through 2025. Pooled mean differences (MD) in weight change were calculated using a random-effects model, and evidence certainty was assessed using the GRADE approach.
Results: Meta-analysis of 6 studies demonstrated that the mHealth intervention group achieved significantly greater weight loss compared to control groups (MD = -2.18 kg; 95% CI: -3.47 to -0.89; p=0.001), with high heterogeneity (I² = 76%). Participants using mHealth apps were 1.53 times more likely to achieve clinically significant weight loss (≥5%) compared to controls (RR 1.53). Subgroup analysis revealed that combined physical activity and diet interventions were more effective (MD -2.84 kg). Regarding safety, mHealth apps were associated with a decrease in eating disorder symptoms and no serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusion: mHealth applications are effective and safe tools for weight reduction in adults with obesity. While effects may attenuate over time, they provide clinically meaningful outcomes and serve as scalable adjuncts to comprehensive obesity management.
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