Intervention programs through the Internet for weight loss in adults with overweight and obesity: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: The rise of technology has enabled the development of programs via Internet to address the problem of obesity, as complementary support in face-to-face programs. The objective of this study is to evaluate the evidence on Internet programs carried out in overweight and obese adults, analyzing the resources and main components of the interventions. Material and Methods: A systematic review was conducted in the electronic databases Web of Science and Scopus. Original online intervention studies for weight reduction in the adult population were selected. The information was analyzed; authorship data, year of publication, study design, intervention length, variables to evaluate efficacy and results were extracted. The review was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. Results: 21 articles were analyzed, which report significant differences in weight after online intervention contrasted with face-to-face modalities or control groups. The programs emphasize changes in diet, increased physical activity, self-monitoring, goal setting, and availability of social networks as variables that guarantee effectiveness. Feedback from professionals as well as having support networks seem to be crucial for adherence and achieving significant weight reductions. Conclusions: Taking advantage of technology can be an ally that leads to significant changes in the weight of people who are overweight or obese.