Mobile health information system tailored for obesity prevention and treatment (PathMate) in teenagers

Abstract

Introduction: Multi-professional programs for the management of obesity in teenagers, which combine physical activity, nutritional and psychological components, are well established today. However, due to limited resources available, only limited number of patients can be included in these programs, considering the high needs resulting from the generally high prevalence of obesity. Objective: The objective was to develop a technical platform with a number of innovative, tailored and interactive health services via a tablet PC. Methods: Six adolescents (13–17 years, BMI percentile >97 for age & gender) participated in an exploratory longitudinal field study. The following measurements were made at baseline, month 1, 3 and 4: 1. well-being, mental health, mood, eating disorders, and motivational interview all by validated questionnaires; 2. change in body weight and BMI_SDS, blood pressure, speed of eating (by sequential photogrametry), daily physical activity (PA by accelerometer, Fitbit), and degree of relaxation (by skin conductance and heart rate), all by objective measurements. Results: Body weight loss at 4 months average 6.2 kg (range: 3.8 to 8.0 kg). Although the health services were developed together with the teenagers, a large inter-individual variability of the platform usage (inconspicuously measured) was observed. The mood monitoring, relaxing exercise and PA tracking services were perceived most useful. Conclusions: For the MD’s, it appears that this new tool can provide a useful aid to work, communicate and keep in touch with (pre)obese teenagers during and outside the on-site consultation.