How effective are weight-loss apps for treating obesity?

Among the best-known types of apps are calorie trackers and combined diet apps. MyFitnessPal and Calorie Counter are primarily focused on tracking daily calories. Users document all meals—often in a user-friendly way using photos—and a barcode scanner allows them to scan individual food items. 

Lose It!, Yazio, Lifesum, and Noom are calorie-tracking apps that also track physical activity and weight loss. Noom additionally offers personalized nutrition coaching. 

Prices for the individual apps vary widely: they range from 4.99 euros per month to more than 50 euros per month.

To date, only two apps are authorized to be labeled as digital health applications, as their effectiveness in treating patients with obesity has been proven by studies: Oviva and zanadio are CE-certified, approved by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), and can be prescribed by a doctor for patients with a BMI between 30 and 40. The subscription costs for the first three months are covered by public health insurance.

To support patients with obesity in changing their eating habits, weight-loss apps should not be designed solely for short-term success but should aim for a lasting lifestyle change. This is the only way to prevent a return to old habits and avoid the yo-yo effect. 

Since obesity is a recognized medical condition—and in rare cases, behavioral patterns cannot be changed overnight—the app must provide strong motivational incentives and support patients over the long term.

Below, we list criteria expected of a goal-oriented, modern app with a good chance of success:

• Easy meal tracking

• Calorie counter

• Nutritional information

• Exercise tips and planner (option to connect to an activity tracker)

• Intuitive, user-friendly interface

• Suggest personalized goals

• Regular informational segments

• Provide daily motivation, e.g., through awards

• Personalized feedback

• Take special dietary needs into account when suggesting recipes

• Take into account pre-existing or concomitant conditions such as diabetes

• Facilitate networking with other participants for mutual exchange

The Oviva DiGA aims to promote weight loss in cases of obesity and also addresses accompanying symptoms. The focus is not on counting calories or food restrictions; rather, the app is designed to support severely overweight individuals in making lasting, positive changes in their behavior, physical activity, and diet. The focus is on:

• Self-monitoring
• Self-management 
• and self-education

It’s also possible to get professional help via chat. According to a study, the app’s effectiveness has been proven.

The same applies to the health app zanadio. Here, too, a 12-month study confirmed its success. With zanadio, the primary focus is on obesity therapy for weight loss, with an emphasis on the following areas:

• Knowledge transfer
• Self-monitoring
• Goal setting and achievement
• Automated coaching

Cochrane Review Criticizes Lack of Long-Term Studies

The international research network Cochrane reviewed the available studies on various weight-loss apps and concluded that even for DiGAs—which are typically prescribed initially for only a 90-day period—there are no long-term follow-up data. This makes it impossible to draw any precise conclusions about their long-term effects. 

This is further complicated by the fact that many users discontinue the programs prematurely.

Weight-loss apps can, however, serve as a helpful supplement to personalized obesity treatment programs. It is also expected that these apps will be optimized in the coming years and better tailored to users’ individual needs. 

More conclusive studies are expected to become available in the coming years.

To date, the long-term success of weight-loss apps for patients with obesity has not been conclusively proven. However, they may be useful as a complementary measure alongside personal coaching and, above all, psychological support. It is advisable, however, to consult with experts when making a selection. 

What options are available for patients with obesity to lose weight and change their behavioral and dietary habits if all other attempts fail? Even then, there are options for improving health. The Leading Medicine Guide helps you find experienced obesity treatment centers. We also provide contacts to specialists in bariatric surgery—such as gastric bypass, gastric banding, or sleeve gastrectomy—which can lead to lasting weight loss.

Sources

• https://www.apotheken-umschau.de/gesund-bleiben/ernaehrung/abnehm-apps-welche-bei-der-diaet-mit-dem-smartphone-helfen-koennen-1225587.html
• https://oviva.com/de/de/oviva-oder-zanadio/
• https://www.apotheken.de/news/13834-was-bringen-apps-gegen-adipositas
• https://wissenwaswirkt.org/mit-smartphone-apps-gegen-adipositas-hilfreich-oder-sinnlos
• https://www.ernaehrungsradar.de/abnehm-apps/
• https://oviva.com/de/de/abnehm-app/