Real-world evaluation of a digital Tier 2 Weight Management Service to residents of Cornwall living with obesity (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Obesity is a major global public health issue. In the United Kingdom, Cornwall is considered one of the most deprived areas with disproportionately higher rates of overweight and obesity. This study examined the demographics and outcomes of Cornwall residents self-referred to a precision digital health app delivering a Tier 2 Weight Management programme. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to understand the demographics and clinical characteristics of residents living in Cornwall (a remote area of the United Kingdom with mixed deprivation) who self-referred to a precision digital health tool delivering a Tier 2 Weight Management programme; and to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of the program to reduce body weight METHODS In a single-arm intervention design, adults who were overweight or obese self-referred to a precision health digital tool (Gro Health) that promotes accessible behaviour change self-management by providing evidence-based structured education, guided behavioural change activities, weekly virtual meetups and community support, health tracking and data-driven insights. Participant characteristics and health data was collected at baseline and follow-ups at 12 and 26 weeks. RESULTS 423 participants self-referred to and completed the landing page, 408 (96.4%) were eligible and 404 (95.5%) downloaded the Gro Health app and created an account. Overall participants had an average age of 49.1 years, BMI of 36.3 kg/m2, with 56% female and 89% identifying as having a white ethnicity. 89% of participants reported outcomes at 26 weeks with an average weight loss of 6.6 ± 0.1% (Week 0: 99.3 ± 21.9 kg to Week 26: 92.5 ± 17.0). Participants reported high engagement and acceptance with the app. CONCLUSIONS A digital health app delivering a Tier 2 Weight Management service provided to residents in a community care setting was well accepted and promoted clinically relevant weight loss.