Emerging technologies and virtual medicine in obesity management
RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Implementation of strategies in the management of obesity can be delivered through web-based platforms (e.g. online education on medical nutrition therapy and physical activity) or mobile devices (e.g. daily weight reporting through a smartphone phone application) (Level 2a, Grade B). 2. We suggest that healthcare providers incorporate individualised feedback and follow-up (e.g. personalised coaching or feedback via phone or email) into technology-based management strategies to improve weight loss outcomes (Level 4, Grade D). 3. The use of wearable activity-tracking technology should be part of a comprehensive strategy for weight loss (Level 1a, Grade A).
Authors
- M Conradie-Smit (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4252-6647)
- M Noeth (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0563-5617)
- Warren May (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8573-224X)
- F H Van Zyl
- P N Diab (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9896-4576)
Institutions
- Stellenbosch University (ZA)
- Worcester Memorial Hospital (US)
- City of Cape Town (ZA)
- Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital (ZA)
- Worcester State University (US)
- Mediclinic City Hospital (AE)
- Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute (US)
- University of Pretoria (ZA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- South African Medical Journal
- Published
- 2025-11-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7196/samj.2025.v115i9b.3699
- Primary Topic
- Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00