The effectiveness and usability of online, group-based interventions for people with severe obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
The findings suggested that online, group-based interventions are feasible and potentially beneficial, but barriers such as internet accessibility, digital literacy, and unfamiliarity with group members need to be mitigated.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²)15 studies (20 papers)
- Comparison
- Online group-based interventions vs waitlist or standard care
- Outcome
- Weight loss
Methodological detailsPRISMA and PICOS frameworks, RoB2 and MMAT quality assessment, Searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
- PRISMA and PICOS frameworks
- RoB2 and MMAT quality assessment
- Searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Weight loss (meta-analysis of 4 studies)
- Online group-based interventions vs Waitlist or standard care: 95% CI −0.69 to −0.17; P = 0.001
Further pooled results
Weight loss and weight-related behaviour change (all studies)
- Most studies reported some evidence of weight loss; evidence of weight-related behaviour change was mixed
Usability
- Online interventions considered more convenient; lack of familiarity with group or counsellor, accessibility issues and time constraints hindered engagement
Original publication
The effectiveness and usability of online, group-based interventions for people with severe obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 19 November 2024. doi:10.
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