Digital health interventions for childhood obesity: An umbrella review

Introduction Childhood obesity has become a critical global health issue, raising concerns for public health systems. Early intervention is essential to curb its long-term impact. Objective This umbrella review aims to assess the effectiveness of digital health interventions in controlling and managing obesity among children and adolescents. Methods Following Cochrane methodology, comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and ProQuest Health and Medical Library, EPISTEMONIKOS, and the Joanna Briggs Institute Database. Eligible reviews included studies targeting individuals aged ≤18 years children who were overweight or obese based on BMI-for-age percentiles or z -scores. Interventions explored include mobile health (mHealth), electronic health (eHealth), mobile apps, SMS, telehealth, and wearable technologies. No restrictions were placed on comparators. Primary outcomes included BMI, BMI z -scores, BMI-for-age percentiles, and related anthropometric indicators. Screening was independently conducted by two reviewers using Rayyan software. The methodological quality of each review was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool, with findings synthesized narratively. Results Out of 242 records screened, 27 systematic reviews were included. Ten reviews examined mHealth interventions, four explored eHealth or web-based strategies, while others focused on telehealth, wearable devices, or multicomponent approaches. A combination of mobile and SMS-based tools consistently demonstrated greater potential in supporting BMI reduction and promoting behavioral change. Conclusion Mobile and SMS-based digital interventions show promise in managing childhood obesity. Their integration into public health strategies could enhance the effectiveness of weight management efforts among children and adolescents.