May 14th, 2020
Last updated: May 14th, 2020
WellHealth medical weight loss partner, Enara Health, a technology-powered personalized weight loss program focused on sustainable results, today announced the publication of new research that provides real-world evidence that digital health platforms can play a significant role in combating the obesity epidemic. According to the findings, published in the Journal of Obesity and Chronic Diseases, patients who incorporated mobile behaviors such as virtual provider consultations and regular food and weight tracking were more likely to achieve and sustain 15% or greater weight loss.
“These findings provide vital insights into the role that telehealth and mobile tracking can play in combating obesity through a holistic approach that takes into account lifestyle, diet, medications, genetics, environment, and other factors,” said Dr. Rami Bailony, Co-Founder and CEO of Enara Health. “Particularly in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in which obesity has proven to be a key risk factor among patients, it’s important for people to consider effective ways to manage their weight and health, even when in-person consultations and meetings aren’t advisable.”
The study explored mobile behaviors that are associated with higher weight loss in individuals enrolled in a comprehensive clinical weight loss program. The researchers compared 6-month vs. 18-month cohorts to examine what happens to mobile engagement over time. According to the findings, average weight loss for all participants in the Enara Health precision weight loss program at 6 months (n=479) and 18 months (n=145) was 12.40% and 13.99%, respectively. Specifically:
High achievers (defined as 15%+ weight loss) at 6 months attended 11% more appointments, took 21% more food pictures, completed 29% more educational activities, and stepped on the scale 25% more times per week. High achievers at 18 months attended 19% more appointments and initiated 57% more text-based conversations with their provider. Sustained high achievers stepped on the scale 52% more times per week during the 12-18 month time period.
The study is also one of few that examines what happens to mobile engagement, and associated weight loss, over a duration of 18 months. While some studies have found short-term weight loss success through mobile app engagement, few have been able to show sustained weight loss beyond 6 months. Behaviors that were essential to driving weight loss at the start of the program become less important after the 6-month point, and new behaviors emerge as better predictors of long-term weight loss. This suggests that mobile health applications may be better suited to achieve sustained weight loss by designing features that facilitate provider-patient interactions on top of self-tracking technology.
The study’s findings highlight the potential for mobile and self-tracking applications to drive superior weight loss outcomes. Enara Health is helping explore the complicated interplay of multiple lifestyle modifications, as well as the use of medication when it comes to effectively and sustainably treating obesity. Learn more about this advanced approach to medical weight loss at http://weightloss.wellhealthdfw.com.
