Authors: Nigel Hinchliffe, Matthew S. Capehorn, Michael Bewick & John Feenie
Abstract
Obesity is a complex, multi-factorial, chronic condition which increases the risk of a wide range of diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. The prevalence of obesity continues to rise and this places a huge economic burden on the healthcare system. Existing approaches to obesity treatment tend to focus on individual responsibility and diet and exercise, failing to recognise the complexity of the condition and the need for a whole-system approach. A new approach is needed that recognises the complexity of obesity and provides patient-centred, multidisciplinary care which more closely meets the needs of each individual with obesity. This review will discuss the role that digital health could play in this new approach and the challenges of ensuring equitable access to digital health for obesity care. Existing technologies, such as telehealth and mobile health apps and wearable devices, offer emerging opportunities to improve access to obesity care and enhance the quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of weight management interventions and long-term patient support. Future application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to obesity care could see interventions become increasingly automated and personalised.
Key Points |
Digital health could play an important role in developing a new approach to obesity prevention and treatment that recognises the complexity of obesity and provides a more patient-centred, precision approach to obesity care |
Telehealth and mHealth are already widely used in delivering healthcare and they offer emerging opportunities to reduce barriers to effective obesity care, improve access to care and ultimately improve long-term weight management and obesity-related health outcomes |
In the immediate future, the most significant digital advancement in obesity care is likely to be the increased use of telehealth. Over time this will be increasingly supported with mHealth apps and devices, with interventions and support ultimately delivered by proxy with an avatar or through a chatbot using AI technology |
Creation of a self-contained digital ecosystem for obesity care would likely accelerate the uptake of digital health applications |
Digital health solutions have the capacity to improve access to obesity care and reduce health inequalities, but careful consideration is needed to avoid digital health becoming available only to those who can afford the technology or have the digital literacy to take advantage of it; otherwise, existing inequalities will only be exacerbated |