Obesity paradigm and web-based weight loss programs: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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/m(2), 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.