Comparing Mobile-Based to Group-Based Education for Weight Reduction in a Developing Country: A Randomized Study

Background: This study compared the impact of Short Message Service (SMS)-based education with traditional group-based education and the control group on body mass index, weight, and lifestyle in obese and overweight patients in a limited-resource country.It also compared the direct financial costs between the two intervention groups.Methods: In this controlled randomized educational study, 90 overweight or obese adults from four family physician clinics in Shiraz, Iran were randomly allocated to three training groups: SMS-based education, group-based education, and a control group.The participants' weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference were measured at baseline, and the Physical Activity Scale questionnaire was completed.Group-based training was conducted in 1-hour weekly sessions.The SMS group received a text message each morning.The control group received routine care from a family physician.The intervention lasted 12 weeks.All participants were re-examined for the studied variables.Additionally, the direct costs were estimated, calculated, and compared.Results: The mean weight, BMI, and waist circumference changed significantly after 3 months compared to baseline in each group.The mean weight change differed significantly among the three groups (P-value=0.04), and the mean BMI changes were near significant (P-value=0.06).A post hoc comparison of changes in weight and BMI showed a significant difference between the control and SMS groups.SMS education incurred much lower costs for patients and healthcare services than group-based education. Conclusion:The study showed that SMS is an effective and cost-saving educational method for weight loss compared to group-based education, especially in developing countries.