Strategies and effects of digital interventions in overweight and obesity treatments in children and adolescents-a systematic review

Background Rising obesity prevalence in childhood and adolescence are characterized by unhealthy lifestyles such as low physical activity due to high media use. Recent studies use the accessibility of this target group through digital media, whereby technologies represent new approaches in the intervention design of weight reduction. However, the question arises as to which digital combinations and methodological program concepts condition effective body mass index (BMI) changes. Aim To gain insights into effective program design and media use; digital intervention strategies for BMI reduction in overweight and obese children and adolescents will be analyzed and evaluated. Methods A systematic review was conducted in the databases MEDLINE via PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science to analyze studies from 2016 to 2021 on changes in BMI and BMI z-score of overweight and obese 6- to 18-year-olds. Methodological study quality was assessed according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias guidelines. Results From 3974 studies, seven articles describing the use of fitness wristbands, smartphones, and computer-based programs were identified. All media achieved BMI reductions, with smartphone interventions via calls and messages causing the most significant changes. Discussion Smartphones as providers of digital programs (e.g., apps) offer effective approaches to obesity reduction. Based on the data, the selection and combination of several media as well as the relevance of family involvement and the methodological foundation of the measures are confirmed. Due to the young age of the participants, media interventions must be made accessible to the target group.