Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to highlight areas in which digital technologies including mobile apps, wearables, telehealth, and AI have improved obesity care, where gaps remain, and future directions. RECENT FINDINGS: Technology is being used in myriad ways to support lifestyle, pharmacological, and surgical obesity care. Mobile apps and wearables reduce the burden of behavior change strategies (e.g., self-monitoring) and telehealth eliminates numerous barriers to in-person obesity care. However, low engagement is a persistent problem with digitally-delivered interventions. An emerging area is the use of AI in obesity care to glean personalized insights from data collected by wearables and mobile apps and to deliver lifestyle coaching. Technology increases access to obesity care, facilitates personalized care, and reduces burden. Future research should examine ways to improve engagement, to design adaptive interventions that are responsive to patients' evolving care needs, and to facilitate implementation in healthcare settings.
Source: Current Obesity Reports
Authors: Sherry Pagoto, Richard Bannor
Institutions: University of Connecticut, Northeastern University
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,790
Funder: Northeastern University
OpenAlex ID: W7212190659