Using social and mobile tools for weight loss in overweight and obese young adults (Project SMART): a 2 year, parallel-group, randomised, controlled trial

RCT in 404 obese college students in US found social/mobile technologies did not facilitate sustained reductions in weight compared to control intervention (general information about health and wellness), although these approaches might facilitate limited short-term weight loss.

This study evaluated a theory-based, weight loss intervention that was remotely and adaptively delivered via integrated user experiences with Facebook, mobile apps, text messaging, emails, a website, and technology-mediated communication with a health coach (SMART intervention).

 
According to a commentary, the inability of the intervention to facilitate sustained weight losses at 2 years and prevent weight gain during a time period when individuals are highly susceptible to experiencing weight increases highlights additional future research avenues. It notes the value of and need for evaluating technology-based weight gain prevention interventions is evident, and research focused on this area is just beginning to emerge.