Automated lifestyle interventions and weight loss: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors' conclusion
Some components of the automated digital lifestyle interventions showed promise. Research is needed to optimize these components (e.g., tailored messaging, cognitive-behavioral approaches) balanced with human contact. Considering the magnitude of the problem and its disproportionate impact on low socioeconomic and minority patients, interventions optimized for effect and scalability are needed to address overweight and obesity.
Study context
- Population
- RCTs of ≥3 months assessing automated digital lifestyle interventions' impact on weight loss in overweight and obesity16 studies (17 reports)
- Comparison
- Automated digital lifestyle interventions for weight loss
- Outcome
- Weight loss
Methodological detailsRCTs of ≥3 months, double-blinded screening and full-text review, Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, 1817 citations identified; 60 full-text reports assessed; 17 reports of 16 studies included
- RCTs of ≥3 months
- Double-blinded screening and full-text review
- Cochrane risk-of-bias tool
- 1817 citations identified; 60 full-text reports assessed; 17 reports of 16 studies included
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
- No intervention produced 5% weight loss from baseline
- Components with largest impact: text message encouragement and education with a cognitive behavioral approach
- No specific form of self-monitoring was most effective, though most trials included some self-monitoring
Further pooled results
Study quality
- Moderate quality
- 63%
Original publication
Automated lifestyle interventions and weight loss: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 29 March 2025. doi:10.
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