The effect of phone application supported nutrition education on weight loss

Internet-based applications are potential supporters for individuals in weight loss programs due to their accessibility and wide access. These applications are aimed at changing the lifestyle of individuals. This study is a randomized controlled study aiming to evaluate the effect of phone application supported nutrition education on weight loss according to standard education. It has been assumed that the telephone application would increase the adaptation and motivation of the people on diet. Anthropometric measurements and nutritional features of individuals, Weight Efficacy Lifestyle (WEL test), Quality of Life SF-36, Rosenberg Self-Esteem, Obese Individuals Specific Quality of Life, Healthy Life Style Behaviour Scale-II and Healthy Eating Index score changes questioned as intermediate variables. Between March and September 2018, 79 people aged between 18-64 years, whose BMI was 25 and more, who were admitted to the dietitian at Ege University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Clinic and received routine nutrition education were included in the study. In the first interview, the data collection form of all individuals was filled out and anthropometric measurements of all individuals were made by the researcher. All individuals received a classic nutrition education by the clinical dietitian and then written personal weight loss diets. Afterwards, only a control appointment for 3 months later was given to the control group. Phone application named Motive designed by the researcher uploaded to only case group's phone. With the telephone application text, visual and video notifications were sent to case group for 3 months. In the first test, 39 subjects were included in the case group and 40 in the control group. Twenty subjects from the case group and 18 from the control group participated in the final test. Therefore, the analysis was made on 38 people.In the final test mean weight, BMI and body fat ratio of the case group respectively decreased from 91.4±18.0 kg, 33.8±6.0 kg/m2, % 39.5±5.2 to 88.5±17.1 kg, 32.8±5.8 kg/m2, % 39.3±6.0 (respectively p=0.001, 0.001, 0.489). In the control group mean weight, BMI and body fat ratio respectively decreased from 89.4±24.7 kg, 33.3±5.0 kg/m2, % 39.1±4.6 to 86.4±16.9 kg, 32.2±4.7 kg/m2, % 38.7±4.9 (respectively p= 0.006, 0.006, 0.556). Waist and neck circumference of case group respectively decreased from 108.2±15.1, 37.3±3.5 cm to 106.1±15.1 cm, 36.4±3.3 cm (respectively p=0.029, 0.001). Waist and neck circumference of control group respectively decreased from 108.3±12.7, 38.3±4.1 cm to 105.5±12.4 cm, 37.5±4.3 cm (respectively p=0.060, 0.028). According to the results of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, there was a significant increase in self-esteem in the case group (p = 0.035). Healthy Life Style Behaviour Scale score and it's subscales nutrition and stress management scores, Healthy Eating Index and Quality of Life SF-36's subscale mental health score increased significantly only in case group (respectively p=0.021, 0.001, 0.036, 0.007, 0.048). There was no significant difference in the WEL test and Obese Individuals Specific Quality of Life scores for both groups (p>0.050). According to the results obtained from this study, it is thought that nutrition education supported by phone application in overweight and obese individuals may provide positive effects in anthropometric measurement, self-esteem, healthy lifestyle behaviors, quality of life and healthy eating habits.