EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL MEDIA-BASED LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION INTERVENTIONS FOR WEIGHT REDUCTION IN OBESE AND OVERWEIGHT INDIVIDUALS : A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Abstract

Background: The global obesity epidemic contributed to burden of chronic non-communicable diseases and deaths. Lifestyle modification were known to promote weight loss. Social media is a cost-effective and efficient platform for delivering information and encouraging interaction with the potential for enhancing weight loss through delivery of lifestyle changes. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of social media-based lifestyle modification interventions in reducing weight in obese and overweight individuals. Methods: Systematic search within seven databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, ProQuest, PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus) was performed for studies in English-language from commencement till 21 September 2018. Quality of studies were assessed using Risk of bias, MERSQI and GRADE. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software. Heterogeneity was determined by x2 and I2 values. Overall effect was evaluated using effect size and Z-statistics. Results: A total of 2544 records were identified. 14 randomised controlled trials were included for meta-analysis, involving 6635 normal weight, overweight, obese individuals across four countries. Meta-analysis revealed very small to medium effect size favouring social media-based lifestyle modification interventions on BMI and weight. Subgroup analysis suggested no differences between custom-made or commercially-available applications, usage of theory, short or long duration in intervention, personalisation and inclusion of feedback in promoting weight loss. Conclusion: Social media-based lifestyle modification interventions produced moderate effectiveness in BMI reduction and weight loss. Cost-effectiveness can be achieved by leveraging on available social media platform Implication: Results are relevant to professionals who are interested in combating global obesity and vital for recommending social media as an alternative cost-effective, efficacious and sustainable weight reduction intervention. Future RCTs should adhere to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and Template for Intervention Description and Replication in the conduct and reporting of studies to ensure reliability.