Digital Health Interventions for Managing Pediatric Obesity: A Systematic Review of Mobile Apps and Telehealth Strategies

Abstract

Background: The growing number of children and adolescents with obesity has sparked growing interest into innovative digital health solutions, including mobile applications and telehealth approaches. These methods feature the possibility of remote monitoring and feedback, personalized guidance, along with support that can augment improving dietary habits, increase exercise, and maintain a healthy weight over time in the young population. However, despite the increase in their use, there is no complete summary of their effectiveness and implementation barriers. 

Objective: Develop a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of obesity digital health interventions focusing on mobile health (mHealth) applications and telehealth in order to evaluate the behavioral outcomes, adherence to the interventions, and the technology’s ease of use of those strategies. 

Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted through peer-reviewed publications using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for the years 2010 to 2025. The criteria looked for articles engaging children and adolescents aged between 2 to 18 years undergo digital intervention for weight management. Data captured included the design of the intervention and its duration, population of the study, outcomes based on behaviors, changes in BMI, satisfaction, and user satisfaction. Quality of included studies was measured with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized controlled trials. The effectiveness and intervention outcomes of complex public health challenges were analyzed using descriptive synthesis, evaluation of patterned intervention outcomes, and correlation analysis. 

Results: The final synthesis yielded 120 responses and relevant studies. It is notable that mobile apps and telehealth services are moderately to highly effective at fostering increased physical activity, improved dietary habits, and lower body mass index (BMI) among children and adolescents within the age range of 6-17 years. Positive behavioral outcomes along with high user satisfaction were reported by most studies, especially when caregivers provided support during interactive interventions. However, limited engagement, usability, and low levels of digital literacy are frequently presented as challenges. A correlational analysis further identified a strong positive correlation between the perceived effectiveness of the intervention and its frequency. 

Conclusions: This systematic review highlights the ability of health technology to transform pediatric obesity through remote and self-directed care. Significant improvements were observed concerning mobile applications and telehealth

services, especially regarding self-monitoring and boosting active behavioral changes. However, sustained engagement, motivation from the children, and equitable access remain critical concerns. It is important to assess the primary modifying factors for sustained engagement and motivation in future research on pediatric populations of diverse socio-economic backgrounds.