Obesity continues to be a global health problem with significant costs associated with management, treatment, and obesity-related comorbidities. Tier 3 weight management programmes support patients with complex obesity and traditionally offer interventions through face-to-face delivery. In this study, a service evaluation compared weight loss for adults with a BMI ≥ 45 kg/m2 or ≥ 40 kg/m2 with a comorbidity, who were offered a non-randomized dietetic intervention through face-to-face, telephone, or digital support using the Oviva smartphone app as part of a tier 3 weight management programme. One hundred and sixty-nine patients commenced the core programme. There were no significant differences in weight loss between patients receiving face-to-face (5.3 ± 5.5 kg [-4.1%]), telephone (-4 ± 5.3 kg [-3.4%]) and digital support (-6.1 ± 4.9 kg [-4.5%]) (P = .061), with data reported as intention-to-treat using baseline observation carried forward imputation. Completer data were also analysed at an optional 12-week follow-up where weight loss was maintained with no significant differences between face-to-face (-7.6 ± 9.3 kg [-5.6%]) and digital support (-9.2 ± 7.6) kg [-6.8%]) (P = .135). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the acceptability of the interventions (P = .261). Due to the potential scalability, resource, and cost-savings of digital care, and improvement in accessibility for some people, digital delivery of weight management programmes should be considered as a care option in weight management services.
Keywords: dietetics; digital health; nutrition; telehealth; weight management.
© 2021 World Obesity Federation.