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The nudge strategies for weight loss in adults with obesity and overweight: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Li, Ruxue
  • Zhang, Yating
  • Cai, Xue
  • Luo, Dan
  • Zhou, Wuai
  • Long, Tianxue
  • Zhang, Huijing
  • Jiang, Hua
  • Li, Mingzi

Abstract

Obesity and overweight conditions have become major health challenges worldwide. The exploration of effective weight loss strategies is essential. Nudges are currently advancing approaches that represent a new and better method for changing the behaviors of people. However, the effectiveness of nudge interventions on weight loss in overweight people who may be obese has not been synthesized in a systematic manner. In this study, a systematic literature search was performed. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated as summary statistics. In total, 25 RCTs involving a population of 5,929 individuals were included. Significant effects of the nudge strategy on weight loss (WMD: -0.96 kg, 95% CI: -1.49 to -0.43), body mass index (WMD: -0.3 kg/m2, 95% CI: -0.41 to -0.19) and waist circumference (WMD: -0.75 cm, 95% CI: -1.23 to -0.27) were observed. The subgroup analysis showed that the reduction in body weight associated with nudge interventions was significant in younger and more obese people. Moreover, the effect of nudge intervention on weight loss weakened over time. Overall, the nudge strategy can promote changes in weight loss, body mass index and waist circumference of adults, albeit at a mild magnitude and in particular types of individuals. Nudge strategies can be recommended to clinical practitioners and policy-makers to promote obesity management.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Ruxue & Zhang, Yating & Cai, Xue & Luo, Dan & Zhou, Wuai & Long, Tianxue & Zhang, Huijing & Jiang, Hua & Li, Mingzi, 2021. "The nudge strategies for weight loss in adults with obesity and overweight: A systematic review and meta-analysis," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 125(12), pages 1527-1535.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:125:y:2021:i:12:p:1527-1535
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2021.10.010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Möllenkamp, Meilin & Zeppernick, Maike & Schreyögg, Jonas, 2019. "The effectiveness of nudges in improving the self-management of patients with chronic diseases: A systematic literature review," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 123(12), pages 1199-1209.
    2. Dolan, P. & Hallsworth, M. & Halpern, D. & King, D. & Metcalfe, R. & Vlaev, I., 2012. "Influencing behaviour: The mindspace way," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 33(1), pages 264-277.
    3. Petri Böckerman & John Cawley & Jutta Viinikainen & Terho Lehtimäki & Suvi Rovio & Ilkka Seppälä & Jaakko Pehkonen & Olli Raitakari, 2019. "The effect of weight on labor market outcomes: An application of genetic instrumental variables," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(1), pages 65-77, January.
    4. Cass Sunstein, 2014. "Nudging: A Very Short Guide," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 37(4), pages 583-588, December.
    5. Matthew J Page & Joanne E McKenzie & Patrick M Bossuyt & Isabelle Boutron & Tammy C Hoffmann & Cynthia D Mulrow & Larissa Shamseer & Jennifer M Tetzlaff & Elie A Akl & Sue E Brennan & Roger Chou & Jul, 2021. "The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(3), pages 1-15, March.
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