Use of Information and Communication Technologies among Adults in Weight Control: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Information and communication technologies are part of our day-to-day life in the execution of all activities, including health care. However, it is not known how much the use of technologies can contribute to the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze whether the use of information and communication technologies contributes to weight control among adults when compared to the traditional approach method. The search was performed in November 2021 in eight electronic databases in addition to gray literature bases. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The standardized mean difference was used for the meta-analytic measurement using the random effects model using the Dersimonian–Laid method in the Stata statistical package version 17. The body mass index of the intervention group decreased by an average of 0.56 (95% CI: −0.83; −0.30) when compared to the control group. When comparing the before and after groups, the intervention group also had a greater reduction in BMI (summarized mean: −0.83; 95% CI: −1.40; −0.26). Information and communication technologies contribute to the reduction of the body mass index in the adult population when compared to the traditional model of monitoring. Prospero registration: number 42020186340.