The Impact of Digital Technology–Based Exercise Combined With Dietary Intervention on Body Composition in College Students With Obesity: Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Lifestyle interventions are a critical component of weight loss programs, yet digital, personalized, and theory- and evidence-based lifestyle interventions remain limited. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a combination of various dietary approaches and digital technology–based exercise on the body composition of college students with obesity. Methods: A total of 129 college students with obesity (mean age 18.3, SD 0.7 years; mean weight 89.9, SD 13.6 kg; mean BMI 30.6, SD 3.3 kg/m2) were initially recruited for this study. After excluding 2 participants, 127 students with obesity were ultimately included in the statistical analysis. An 8-week weight loss intervention was conducted with the students, combining exercise and various digitally supported dietary approaches. Body composition indicators (muscle mass and fat mass) were assessed before and after the intervention. Participants were divided into 3 experimental groups (twice-weekly fasting [TWF], low-calorie diet [LCD], and time-restricted feeding [TRF]). Between-group comparisons were made using a 1-way ANOVA, while within-group comparisons used a repeated-measures ANOVA. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the interaction effects between sex and time, as well as between sex and group. Results: All groups showed significant decreases in weight and BMI, and the TRF group also showed a significant decrease in BMI (P=.002), but there were significant sex differences. The male TWF group showed the largest decrease in weight (mean difference [MD] −4.86 kg; P