Comparative Efficacy of
eHealth
‐Based Interventions for Weight Loss in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Hang Thi Le Do, Dwi Apriadi, Yu‐Kang Tu, Hsiao‐Yean Chiu, Hui‐Chuan Huang ABSTRACT
Aims
This systematic review and network meta‐analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of eHealth‐based interventions on body weight reduction in adults who are overweight or obesity.
Design
This study was designed as a systematic review and network meta‐analysis (NMA) following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
Data Sources
Five electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Scopus), were systematically searched from inception to May 4, 2026.
Review Methods
Studies were assessed for eligibility using predefined criteria. Two authors independently assessed the methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Confidence in the NMA findings was evaluated using the CINeMA. Data were synthesized using a frequentist random‐effects NMA with restricted maximum‐likelihood estimation in R.
Results
A total of 182 trials evaluating 21 single‐ and multi‐component eHealth interventions were included. Overall, 36.3% of studies were at low risk of bias, 34.1% had some concerns, and 29.7% were at high risk. Confidence in the NMA estimates ranged from very low to high, with 72.5% of comparisons rated as high or moderate confidence. The combination of a mobile application, wearable device and health education demonstrated the greatest efficacy, resulting in significantly greater weight loss than all comparators, with mean differences ranging from −9.14 to −3.86 kg (all p < 0.05). Among single‐component interventions, phone call‐based interventions ranked highest for weight loss ( p ‐score = 0.52).
Conclusions
Combining a mobile application, wearable device and health education appeared to be an effective strategy for reducing body weight in adults with overweight or obesity.
Impact
These findings may support evidence‐based selection of eHealth weight management interventions for implementation in individual, community and healthcare settings.
No Patient or Public Contribution
Neither patients nor the public were involved in the design, conduct or reporting of this study.
Trial Registration
PROSPERO (CRD no: 420251119776)