Digital group interventions offer a scalable solution to severe obesity, but overcoming barriers like internet access and participant engagement is key to success. Clinical Research: The effectiveness and usability of online, group-based interventions for people with severe obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis . Image Credit: Gecko Studio / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity , researchers in the United Kingdom evaluated the effectiveness, usability, and barriers of online group-based interventions for adults with severe obesity.
Background Obesity poses significant public health challenges, increasing the burden on healthcare services and limiting access to treatment. It is strongly linked to numerous health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Severe obesity exacerbates these risks, highlighting the need for accessible interventions.
Group-based approaches, effective for weight management and fostering social support, can reduce service demands but face logistical constraints. The journal highlighted that traditional face-to-face interventions often result in long wait times and limited accessibility, particularly in underserved regions. Digital interventions could mitigate these issues while providing a scalable solution.
Digital delivery could address barriers like travel and time, enhancing accessibility. While digital and group-based interventions have been studied separately, f.
