J Med Internet Res. 2026 May 4;28:e81070. doi: 10.2196/81070.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major global health concern, and scalable digital solutions are urgently needed. While digital lifestyle interventions (DLSIs) have shown promise, prior meta-analyses often included hybrid formats with human support, limiting insights into the effectiveness of fully digital interventions.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the independent effects of standalone DLSIs-defined as interventions delivered exclusively via digital platforms without in-person or adjunctive support-on anthropometric and dietary outcomes in adults with overweight or obesity.
METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from inception through March 4, 2026. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating stand-alone DLSIs in adults with overweight or obesity. Interventions were included if they targeted diet or physical activity exclusively through digital platforms. We included fully automated, asynchronous, or one-to-many synchronous systems without individualized support. Studies involving hybrid interventions, including one-to-one synchronous human interaction, nonadult populations, or non-RCT designs, were excluded. Two independent reviewers performed study selection and data extraction. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool (Cochrane Bias Methods Group). Meta-analysis used a random-effects model with the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method, and heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.
RESULTS: A total of 19 RCTs involving 3556 participants were included. Stand-alone DLSIs significantly improved anthropometric outcomes compared to controls (standardized mean difference 0.26, 95% CI 0.14-0.38; 95% prediction interval [PI] -0.16 to 0.68; P<.001; 19 studies; n=3556; I2=56.1%), corresponding to an additional weight loss ranging from 2.62 kg to 6.55 kg, depending on the baseline body weight. Significant improvements were also found in dietary outcomes (standardized mean difference 0.26, 95% CI 0.04-0.48; 95% PI -0.29 to 0.81; P=.008; 8 studies; n=1365; I2=57.5%). Subgroup analyses for anthropometric outcomes revealed significant differences only by control group type (P<.001), with waitlist controls showing the largest effect. For dietary outcomes, no significant subgroup differences were found (P>.05). While most studies showed a low risk of bias, substantial statistical heterogeneity was observed in some outcomes. Consequently, the certainty of evidence for both outcomes was rated as moderate.
CONCLUSIONS: This review is innovative as it is the first to isolate the pure efficacy of stand-alone DLSIs by excluding synchronous human support. Our findings provide moderate-certainty evidence that these tools are effective for weight management and dietary improvement without human intervention. While stand-alone DLSIs offer a highly scalable, cost-effective first-step intervention, the PIs included zero, and substantial heterogeneity was observed, suggesting that benefits may vary across settings. Future research should identify user characteristics that maximize engagement with unguided digital tools.
PMID:42081742 | DOI:10.2196/81070
