Advances in Pharmacology · Sep 6, 2026

Digital health, technology, AI, and wearables in obesity care

By Hallock R, Cabandugama P, Patel N

Digital health technologies, including mobile health (mHealth) applications, text messaging (SMS), telehealth, artificial intelligence (AI), and wearable devices, are increasingly integrated into obesity prevention, treatment and long-term management. This chapter reviews the current evidence for each modality. Mobility health apps produce modest but statistically significant weight reductions over controls, with peak efffectiveness at 3-6 months, though long-term sustainability beyong 12 months remains limited. SMS-based behavioral interventions, yield small to moderate weight loss, particularly when combined with health coaching. Telehealth has demonstated non-inferiority to in-person care for both behavioral weight management and obesity pharmacotherapy, with comparable or superior rates of clinically meaningful weight loss. AI technologies, encompassing machine learning, deep learning and large language models, show promise in predictive modeling, personalized digital therapeutics, and automated food recognition, with emerging trial evidence supporting non-inferiority to human-led coaching programs. Wearable devices contribute modest weight reduction and increased physical activity, with greatest benefit observed in interventions lasting>12 weeks and in middle-aged or older adults with chronic diseases. Multicomponent digital interventions lasting ≥12 weeks and in middle-aged or older adults with chronic diseases. Multicomponent digital interventions combining patient education, promoting self-monitoring and a qualified interventionist produce the largest and post sustained effects.Key implementation challenges include digital divide, engagement and adherence barriers, interventions heterogeneity between programs, limited safety reporting, cultural and linguistic differences, and the need for equitable access across diverse populations. Optimal interventions incorporate ≥8 behavior change techniques, combine diet and physical activty components, and span 6-12 months with extended contact for maintenance.

doi.org/10.1016/bs.apha.2026.06.004PubMed 42977343Interventions