The use of health communication technology for the promotion of healthy weight in adolescents: A systematic review

Purpose: To review interventions utilizing health communication technologies for the promotion of healthy weight in adolescents.^ Methods: Systematic literature searches were used using Ovid Medline, PubMed, Ebsco, and PsycInfo databases. Published research journal articles that were written in English and that included quasi-experimental or randomized controlled study designs to provide empirical evaluation of health communication technologies to impact dietary behaviors, physical activity, and/or the promotion of healthy weight in adolescents were included for review.^ Results: Five hundred and eleven articles were identified, 18 of which met inclusion criteria. Technology based intervention produced significantly positive results compared to the control group in 13 of the 18 studies.^ Conclusion: Evidence of the positive effects of health communication technologies on the promotion of healthy weight in adolescents is suggestive, but not decisive. Further research will assist in better understanding how technology can be integrated into interventions and will assist in clarifying more conclusive