Chew Han Shi Jocelyn, Lim Su Lin, Kim Guowei, Kayambu Geetha, So Bok Yan Jimmy, Shabbir Asim, Gao Yujia
Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
Dietetics Department, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road Singapore 119074, Singapore.
Transl Behav Med. 2023 Apr 3;13(3):140-148. doi: 10.1093/tbm/ibac090.
Smartphone weight loss apps are constantly being developed but the essential elements needed by a multi-ethnic population with overweight and obesity remains unclear. Purpose: To explore the perceptions of an Asian multi-ethnic population with overweight and obesity on the essential elements of weight loss apps. Twenty two participants were purposively sampled from a specialist weight management clinic in Singapore from 13 April to 30 April 2021. Recorded interviews were conducted using face-to-face and videoconferencing modalities. Data saturation was reached at the 18th participant. Data analysis was performed using inductive content analysis with constant comparison between and within transcripts. Findings: Three themes and eight subthemes on the essential app components emerged-(a) comprehensive and flexible calorie counters; (b) holistic, gradual and individualized behavior change recommendations tailored for people with overweight and obesity, and (c) just-in-time reminders of future consequences. There was a need to incorporate flexible options for food logging; break down general recommendations into small steps towards sustainable changes; tailor app contents for people with overweight and obesity; and evoke one's considerations of future consequences. Future weight loss apps should be designed to meet the needs of those with overweight and obesity, the very population that needs assistance with weight loss. Future apps could consider leveraging the capacity of artificial intelligence to provide personalized weight management in terms of sustaining self-regulation behaviors, optimizing goal-setting and providing personalized and timely recommendations for weight loss.
智能手机减肥应用程序不断涌现，但超重和肥胖的多民族人群所需的基本要素仍不明确。目的：探讨超重和肥胖的亚洲多民族人群对减肥应用程序基本要素的看法。2021年4月13日至4月30日，从新加坡一家专业体重管理诊所中有意抽取了22名参与者。采用面对面和视频会议方式进行访谈记录。第18名参与者时达到了数据饱和。使用归纳式内容分析法进行数据分析，并在不同记录之间和记录内部进行持续比较。结果：出现了关于应用程序基本组成部分的三个主题和八个子主题——（a）全面且灵活的卡路里计数器；（b）为超重和肥胖人群量身定制的全面、渐进且个性化的行为改变建议；（c）及时提醒未来后果。需要纳入灵活的食物记录选项；将一般建议分解为实现可持续改变的小步骤；为超重和肥胖人群量身定制应用程序内容；并唤起人们对未来后果的思考。未来的减肥应用程序应设计成满足超重和肥胖人群的需求，这正是需要减肥帮助的人群。未来的应用程序可以考虑利用人工智能的能力，在维持自我调节行为、优化目标设定以及提供个性化和及时的减肥建议方面提供个性化的体重管理。
