| Backgrounds: Web-based therapeutic approaches are new and attractive tools for primary health care systems due
to their time and cost-saving nature and their accessibility for different populations. The aim of the current
systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the results of studies evaluating the effect of web-based
interventional programs on weight loss among overweight and obese individuals.
Methods: A literature review from 2000 to 2016 was conducted. Studies were included in the study if they had
adult participants with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2, a web-user intervention arm, and a non-web user
control arm, with the primary aim of weight loss. Weight change in the interventional group versus control group
was pooled with the random-effect model. Data were extracted on sample characteristics, drop-outs, weight loss,
intervention duration, and the amount of weight loss. The mean weighted difference and 95% confidence intervals
(CI) were calculated.
Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria and included in the final model. Overall, using the web-based
interventions had a weak non-significant effect on weight loss in overweight and obese individuals (WMD 0.56 kg,
CI − 3.474, 4.592; P = 0.786). The most important reason was the unadjusted baseline weight of experimental and
control groups in included studies, although the stratified analysis showed that, low study quality score and not
using feedback and goal-setting in the study were the main factors diminishing the effectiveness of web-based
intervention treatment group.
Conclusion: The results of the current meta-analysis indicated no effectiveness of web-based interventional
programs in the weight loss of overweight and obese individuals. Although the great between-study heterogeneity
and a small number of included studies further highlight the need for additional researches in this field. |