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Tackling childhood and adolescent overweight continues to be one of the most important public health challenges.

To date, various types of interventions have been tested, from school-based interventions to comprehensive individualized behavioral programs implemented by a multidisciplinary team. With the boom in the use of technological media, new tools for collecting information and communication can be useful tools for the development of “smart” digital health interventions, which could help in the treatment of childhood obesity.

A scientific team from Harokopion University recently published a relevant meta-analysis*, which examined the impact of technology-based interventions for the treatment of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents.

Eight randomized clinical trials with a total of 582 children (aged 9-12 years) and adolescents were included. The duration of the interventions ranged from 3 to 24 months and the individual results of this meta-analysis are presented below.

In the intervention groups, in which there was technological support, significant differences were found between the groups in parameters of the Body Mass Index (BMI). The duration of these studies was over 6 months and parents also participated in the intervention. Also, significant reductions were observed in the percentage of body fat and in the waist / hip ratio, when the interventions lasted 24 months.

In relation to the nutritional parameters, they showed greater adherence to a more balanced dietary pattern, increased fruit consumption, reduced consumption of red meat, high-fat foods, fruit juices and sugary drinks. Also, a significant reduction in the time children and adolescents spend on the screen and an increase in the intensity of exercise was observed.

A significant reduction was observed in blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels of children and adolescents who participated in the digital intervention.

Finally, they increased their self-efficacy in relation to diet and physical activity, improved their self-esteem and reduced unbalanced behaviors in relation to weight loss diets, body weight and body image.

In conclusion, this meta-analysis revealed that an intervention that combines conventional care with technological tools could be a more effective method for managing the body weight of overweight and obese children and adolescents compared to conventional care alone.

The technology used in the studies included interactive web platforms (e-Health, m-Health), mobile phone applications, games, text messages and other forms of communication, such as email, telemedicine and informational websites. The focus of these technologies was related to improving dietary habits, increasing physical activity and improving self-control. The type of technological medium used in the interventions – via mobile phone or internet – did not seem to change the final outcome.

Parental participation was associated with better outcomes in the intervention, especially for children, while it was not possible to assess the individual contribution of parents to the final outcome. Finally, the effectiveness of the interventions was evident when they lasted more than 6 months.