A Text Message-Based Intervention for Weight Loss

This intervention was administered as part of a randomized controlled trial to determine whether the use of mobile-based applications such as text messaging was more effective at helping adults make lifestyle modifications to lose weight and maintain that weight loss. The program used a mobile phone-based application that delivered tailored and interactive messages important to weight loss, such as motivation, encouragement, progress, tips, and hints. This application consisted of a database of messages that were sent out to participants based on the frequency and type of messages participants wished to receive. Each week of the intervention focused on different topics related to weight loss, such as goal setting, portion control, physical activity, and strategies for eating out. The intervention also included a binder with printed nutrition and health information to supplement the text messages. In addition, participants were also asked to weigh themselves and fill out worksheets weekly. These worksheets were addressed during brief monthly phone calls with health counselors who encouraged continued participation, addressed any obstacles to weight goals, and gathered feedback on the mobile application.

This program targeted adults between the ages of 25 and 55 years old who were already overweight or obese and seeking to lose weight. In addition, the target population was already using or are willing to learn to use a mobile phone for text or multimedia messaging. The program was implemented and managed by health counselors and case managers. Health counselors played a crucial role in the conveying of important health information, while case managers focused on troubleshooting problems with the technical component of the intervention. The application had built in systems to monitor mistakes, anomalies, or unexpected responses from study participants and notify case managers who would then contact the study participant to address any problems or issues with the application.

To reduce weight in overweight and obese patients using mobile-based text and multimedia messaging.

At the end of a 4-month period, participants in the text-message based intervention showed greater weight loss than the control group.

This randomized controlled study with 65 overweight participants found that the intervention was positively correlated with an average adjusted weight loss of 1.97 kg compared to the control group, 95% CI (0.34-3.60 kg, P = 0.02). The study lasted 4 months and participants were weighed at baseline, 2 months and 4 months. The control group weighed 88 kg at baseline and did not lose weight thereafter on average; whereas, the intervention group weighed 90kg at baseline, 86 kg at month 2, and 85 kg at month 4.