A randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a mobile application-based lifestyle change program (FASTer Way) on body composition, biochemical and hematological health markers, body image, and self-esteem in overweight women.

Abstract

Background: Numerous mobile phone applications have been developed with the goal of producing behavior changes that lead to weight loss and enhanced health. However, the evidence basis for these applications is often lacking, which renders them ineffective for altering health behaviors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the potential benefits of a novel mobile application, The FASTer Way to Fat Loss^® (FW).

Methods: Forty-two overweight, but otherwise healthy women were recruited for this parallel study and randomly assigned to an exercise and nutrition education only control (CON, n=21) or an integrated mobile application group (FW, n=21), which included exercise training and dietary modifications that were overseen by an individually assigned coach. Both groups were assessed at baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention for body composition, blood health indices, and multiple questionnaires for self-esteem and body image. Absolute mean differences within and between groups were measured using unpaired t-tests with statistical significance set at P<0.05.

Results: Compared to the CON group (0.56±1.54 kg), the FW group significantly reduced total mass (-1.21±1.82 kg; P=0.002), fat mass (0.42±1.38 vs. -1.45±1.23 kg; P<0.001), body fat percentage (0.23%±1.33% vs. -1.24%±1.32%; P=0.001), and body mass index (0.24±0.59 vs. -0.46±0.60 kg/m²; P<0.001); whereas no significant between-group differences were detected for lean body mass (P=0.86). Additionally, total cholesterol was significantly reduced in the FW group (-5.2±14.9 mg/dL) compared to the CON group (8.7±22.8 mg/dL; P=0.03). There were no other significant between-group differences in blood lipid profiles, blood health indices, or subjective measures of self-esteem and body image.

Conclusions: An integrated, multifactorial smartphone application (FASTer Way^®) elicited positive changes in body composition and total cholesterol in six-weeks. Future research should investigate these effects in other populations to better generalize these results.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05813548.