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The Effect of Computers for Weight Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials

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ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

The use of computers to deliver education and support strategies has been shown to be effective in a variety of conditions. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of computer-based technology on interventions for reducing weight.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov (all updated through June 2010) for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of computer-based technology on education or support interventions aimed at reducing weight in overweight or obese adults. We calculated weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random effects models.

RESULTS

Eleven trials with 13 comparisons met inclusion criteria. Based on six comparisons, subjects who received a computer-based intervention as an addition to the standard intervention given to both groups lost significantly more weight (WMD −1.48 kg, 95% CI −2.52, –0.43). Conversely, based on six comparisons, subjects for whom computer-based technology was substituted to deliver an identical or highly comparable intervention to that of the control group lost significantly less weight (WMD 1.47 kg, 95% CI 0.13, 2.81). Significantly different weight loss seen in “addition” comparisons with less than six months of follow-up (WMD −1.95 kg, 95% CI −3.50, –0.40, two comparisons) was not seen in comparisons with longer follow-up (−1.08 kg, 95% CI −2.50, 0.34, four comparisons). Analyses based on quality and publication date did not substantially differ.

CONCLUSIONS

While the addition of computer-based technology to weight loss interventions led to statistically greater weight loss, the magnitude (<1.5 kg) was small and unsustained.

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Acknowledgement of Funding Source

This work was supported in part by tuition scholarships for two of the authors from the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice.

Conflict of Interest

None disclosed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA

    Virginia A. Reed PhD

  2. Center for Program Design & Evaluation at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA

    Virginia A. Reed PhD, Karen E. Schifferdecker PhD & Sharon O’Connor MBA

  3. Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH, USA

    Virginia A. Reed PhD, Karen E. Schifferdecker PhD, Sharon O’Connor MBA & Robin J. Larson MD, MPH

  4. The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH, USA

    Virginia A. Reed PhD, Karen E. Schifferdecker PhD, Michael E. Rezaee MPH, Sharon O’Connor MBA & Robin J. Larson MD, MPH

  5. VA Outcomes Group, Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, VT, USA

    Robin J. Larson MD, MPH

  6. Dartmouth College, HB 7016, 46 Centerra Parkway, Suite 330, Hanover, NH, 03766, USA

    Virginia A. Reed PhD

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  1. Virginia A. Reed PhD
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  2. Karen E. Schifferdecker PhD
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Correspondence to Virginia A. Reed PhD.

Electronic supplementary material

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Appendix 1

Protocol changes (PDF 21 kb)

Appendix 2

Inclusion criteria (PDF 23 kb)

Appendix 3

Search strategies (PDF 33 kb)

Appendix 4

Data collection form (PDF 47 kb)

Appendix 5

Methodological quality assessment tool (PDF 223 kb)

Appendix 6

Supplemental Figures (PDF 23 kb)

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Reed, V.A., Schifferdecker, K.E., Rezaee, M.E. et al. The Effect of Computers for Weight Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials. J GEN INTERN MED 27, 99–108 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-011-1803-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-011-1803-9

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