Changes in Weight and Health-Related Behavior Using Smartphone Applications in Patients With Colorectal Polyps

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of using a smartphone application for weight loss as well as a change in health-related behavior in patients with colorectal polyps over 3 months.

Design: Randomized, controlled pilot trial.

Setting: The Department of Family Medicine, Myongji Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea.

Participants: Adults aged 25-65 years who were diagnosed with colorectal polyps.

Interventions: A comparison of smartphone application data, with exercise and food intake diary data over 3 months.

Main outcome measures: Primary outcomes were weight reduction and an increase in physical activity. Secondary outcomes included changes in dietary intake, such as that of vegetables, fruits, and fatty food.

Analysis: Student t test was used for continuous variables, and chi-square test for categorical variables.

Results: Participants using the smartphone application experienced significant weight reduction compared with participants in the control group (mean change = -1.25 vs -0.42 kg; SD = 0.42 vs 1.23 kg). Moreover, use of the application and strict adherence to it significantly increased the level of physical activity (mean change = 1.57 vs 0.71 strenuous exercises/wk; SD = 1.09 vs 0.96 strenuous exercise/wk).

Conclusions and implications: Smartphone applications could be potential tools for weight control and physical activity in patients with colorectal polyps. Future larger randomized, controlled trials over a prolonged period are warranted to confirm these findings.

Keywords: colorectal polyp; health behavior; physical activity; smartphone app; weight loss.