Social Media and Obesity in Adults: a Review of Recent Research and Future Directions.

Molly E Waring, Danielle E Jake-Schoffman, Marta M Holovatska, Claudia Mejia, Jamasia C Williams, Sherry L Pagoto

Journal: Current diabetes reports 2018;18(6):34

PMID: 29671135

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Social media is widely used and has potential to connect adults with obesity with information and social support for weight loss and to deliver lifestyle interventions. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent observational and intervention research on social media and obesity.

RECENT FINDINGS

Online patient communities for weight loss abound but may include misinformation. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that social media-delivered lifestyle interventions modestly impact weight, yet how social media was used and participant engagement varies widely. The rapidly changing social media landscape poses challenges for patients, clinicians, and researchers. Research is needed on how patients can establish supportive communities for weight loss and the role of clinicians in these communities. Emerging research on meaningful engagement in, and the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of, social media-delivered lifestyle interventions should provide insights into how to leverage social media to address the obesity epidemic.

Address: Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Unit 1101, Storrs, CT, 06269-1101, USA. [email protected].; Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.; Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Unit 1101, Storrs, CT, 06269-1101, USA.; Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.

DOI: 10.1007/s11892-018-1001-9