Effectiveness of Information and Communication Technology on Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Internet or mobile device use as a form of information and communication technology (ICT) can be more effective in weight loss and weight maintenance than traditional obesity interventions. Objective: The study aims to assess the effectiveness of child-centered ICT interventions on obesity-related outcomes. Methods: Articles were retrieved from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and PubMed web-based databases. We selected randomized controlled trials in which the participants were aged <18 years. The primary outcomes were BMI, body weight, BMI z-score, waist circumference, and percentage body fat. Results: In total, 10 of the initial 14,867 studies identified in the databases were selected according to the inclusion criteria. A total of 640 participants were included in the intervention group and 619 in the comparator group. Meta-analyses were conducted considering various subgroups (intervention type, comparator type, target participants, mean age, sex, BMI status, and follow-up period). Overall, ICT interventions demonstrated no significant effect on BMI, body weight, BMI z-score, waist circumference, and percentage body fat. Subgroup analyses revealed that the effect of the intervention was statistically significant for the following: web intervention (weighted mean difference [WMD]=-1.26 kg/m(2), 95% CI -2.24 to -0.28), lifestyle modification comparator (WMD=-1.75, 95% CI -2.76 to -0.74), intervention involving both boys and girls (WMD=-1.30, 95% CI -2.14 to -0.46), and intervention involving obesity only (WMD=-1.92, 95% CI -3.75 to -0.09). Conclusions: The meta-analysis results for children with obesity who used the web intervention program confirmed significant effects on BMI reduction compared with lifestyle modification. Evidence from the meta-analysis identified internet technology as a useful tool for weight loss in children with obesity.

Automated summary

The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of child-centered ICT interventions on obesity-related outcomes. Results showed that web intervention, lifestyle modification comparator, intervention involving both boys and girls, and intervention involving obesity only had significant effects on BMI reduction in children with obesity. Internet technology was identified as a useful tool for weight loss in children with obesity.