Impact of digital technology on nutrition-related outcomes for adults with mental health conditions: a systematic review

Abstract

Mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with affected individuals often experiencing poorer physical health and increased risk of comorbidities. Nutrition is increasingly recognised as a modifiable factor influencing mental health outcomes, and digital technologies offer opportunities to support dietary behaviour change in this population, though their potential remains underexplored. This systematic review synthesises evidence on digital interventions aimed at improving nutrition-related outcomes among adults with mental health conditions. A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Health Premium was conducted for studies published between January 2000 and August 2026. Two reviewers extracted data on study characteristics, participant demographics, mental health diagnoses, intervention type, digital technology, and nutrition-related outcomes. Outcomes included qualitative and quantitative measures of nutrition-related outcomes, feasibility, and acceptability. Twenty-six unique studies were included and categorised as: (i) lifestyle interventions with a digital component; (ii) fully digital lifestyle interventions; or (iii) digital nutrition-specific interventions. Findings were synthesised narratively due to heterogeneity. Across categories, digital interventions demonstrated mixed effects on dietary intake, diet quality, and weight management, with some improvements observed, although effects were not consistently significant. Interventions were generally feasible and acceptable, although recruitment, retention, and engagement varied. Challenges included technology access, adherence, and contextual barriers. The findings suggest that digital approaches are promising for supporting dietary behaviour change in adults with mental health conditions. Future research should prioritise high-quality, theory-driven, and co-designed digital nutrition interventions that address barriers to digital access and literacy and leverage digital tools to support sustainable nutritional change.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration CRD42025622881