Obesity: Digital Health Adolescents | The Community Guide

Obesity: Digital Health Adolescents | The Community Guide

Feature Of The Month

Digital Interventions Can Help Adolescents With Overweight or Obesity

Digital interventions are appropriate ways to assist adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with overweight or obesity, according to the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF). A systematic review of 11 studies found that digital approaches lead to small but meaningful weight reductions in adolescents with overweight or obesity.

In the United States, 95% of teens have access to a smartphone that can be used in these interventions. Digital strategies combine self-monitoring and goal setting to increase awareness of dietary or physical activity behaviors that help with weight management. Trained personnel moderate the programs and teach young people how to use the required website, mobile app, or wearable device.

For at least 2 months, adolescents record their weight and dietary or physical activity behaviors and track their progress toward their goals. Health care providers including psychologists, health counselors, dietitians, nurses, and pediatricians oversee the programs.

In the United States, 1 in 5 children and adolescents has obesity. Those affected are more likely to develop a number of serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and breathing and joint problems.

See this and other CPSTF recommendations in the Guide to Community Preventive Services (The Community Guide).