Mobile app promotes weight loss in teens with obesity

A mobile phone application (app), FatSecret, appears more effective than traditional, validated 3-day food record in stimulating weight loss and metabolic improvements among adolescents with obesity, suggests a recent study.

Sixty adolescents with obesity aged 13‒17 years were randomized to either the app group (balanced energy-restricted diet with daily self-monitoring using the FatSecret app) or the control group (balanced energy-restricted diet with a 3-day food record). The investigators followed both groups for 6 months with monthly consultations.

Of the participants, 34 completed the intervention. Both the app and control groups demonstrated significant improvements in BMI z-score, body composition, binge eating scores, and insulin levels. The FatSecret app was on a par with the validated 3-day food record in its effectiveness in promoting weight loss and behavioural improvements.

Participants in the app group exhibited significant improvements in pain-related quality of life scores, while those in the control group reported an increase in their intake of polyunsaturated fat. Moreover, adherence to dietary monitoring and dropout rates did not significantly differ between the two groups.

“These findings support its use as a practical alternative for dietary self-monitoring,” the investigators said.

“The global prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents is a growing concern, with significant implications for long-term health outcomes. Traditional weight loss programs focusing on diet and physical activity have shown limited efficacy,” they noted.