Abstract
BackgroundWeight loss is challenging and maintenance of weight loss is problematic. Web-based programs offer good potential for delivery of interventions for weight loss or weight loss maintenance. However, the precise impact of Web-based weight management programs is still unclear.ObjectiveThe purpose of this meta-systematic review was to provide a comprehensive summary of the efficacy of Web-based interventions for weight loss and weight loss maintenance.MethodsElectronic databases were searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses that included at least one study investigating the effect of a Web-based intervention on weight loss and/or weight loss maintenance among samples of overweight and/or obese individuals. Twenty identified reviews met the inclusion criteria. The Revised Assessment of Multiple SysTemAtic Reviews (R-AMSTAR) was used to assess methodological quality of reviews. All included reviews were of sufficient methodological quality (R-AMSTAR score ≥22). Key methodological and outcome data were extracted from each review.ResultsWeb-based interventions for both weight loss and weight loss maintenance were more effective than minimal or control conditions. However, when contrasted with comparable non-Web-based interventions, results were less consistent across reviews.ConclusionsOverall, the efficacy of weight loss maintenance interventions was stronger than the efficacy of weight loss interventions, but further evidence is needed to more clearly understand the efficacy of both types of Web-based interventions.Trial RegistrationPROSPERO 2015: CRD42015029377; http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp? ID=CRD42015029377 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qkSafdCZ)
Highlights
Obesity and overweight have reached epidemic proportions globally and pose a major risk for serious chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and certain forms of cancer [1]
The published systematic reviews and meta-analyses of Web-based interventions for weight loss and weight loss maintenance reveal conflicting conclusions. The purpose of this meta-review was to (1) examine the published systematic reviews that included at least one study assessing the efficacy of a Web-based intervention for weight loss and/or weight loss maintenance for samples of participants who are either overweight or obese, (2) produce a summary of the scientific evidence, (3) identify the strengths and weaknesses of Web-based interventions to help clinicians select the best treatment option for their patients, and (4) provide empirically supported suggestions for practice
Reviews that satisfied the following criteria were included: (1) used a systematic review method, (2) indicated the method for identifying and evaluating studies for inclusion, (3) included at least one study assessing the efficacy of a Web-based intervention for weight loss and/or weight loss maintenance on the absolute variation and/or the change in percentage of body weight or body mass index (BMI) for a sample of overweight and/or obese people, and (4) received a methodological quality score of 22 or higher on the Revised Assessment of Multiple SysTemAtic Reviews (R-AMSTAR; see methodological quality assessment section for details)
Summary
Obesity and overweight have reached epidemic proportions globally and pose a major risk for serious chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and certain forms of cancer [1] Such conditions may further impact individuals’ quality of life and well-being [2]. Functional interventions aimed at reducing weight and maintaining weight loss, while working on related pathologies, are typically combined treatment options (nutritional, physical, behavioral, psychological, pharmacological, surgical) [4]. These usually lead to short-term weight loss, long-term maintenance of results is rarely achieved [5,6]. Trial Registration: PROSPERO 2015: CRD42015029377; http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp? ID=CRD42015029377 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qkSafdCZ)
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