Telehealth and information/communication technologies in the care of overweight and obese adults: A rapid review

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of strategies that use telehealth, telemedicine, mobile applications, and text messages for overweight and obese adult health care. Methods: In this rapid review of systematic reviews (SRs), nine databases were searched in November 2020 and again in February 2022. Methodological quality of the SRs was assessed using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2). Results: 19 SRs were included, classified as high-confidence (one), low-confidence (six), and critically low-confidence (twelve). Weight loss most often showed favorable results, followed by changes in body mass index (BMI), while for the reduction in waist circumference, the results were similar between interventions and comparators. Studies on eating habits and physical activities changes showed nonsignificant results or an advantage of face-to-face activities over electronic applications. The reduction in body fat and treatment adherence presented favorable results with cell phone applications. There is no reporting regarding the safety of the interventions. Conclusions: Interventions through computer applications, online tools, text messages, and telehealth can have positive effects on weight reduction, BMI, and body fat. Conclusions should be interpreted with caution, due to the methodological quality of the included SRs and the other limitations of this rapid review.