Can Internet influence a healthy lifestyle?

We see hundreds of health and fashion-centric videos on social media every day that are liked and shared by millions. Surprisingly, these people not just share these videos but also try to learn and implement them in real life, says a study.

According to 23 years of research reviewed in Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, "People are more likely to adopt heart healthy behaviors when guided and encouraged via the Internet, their cell phones or other devices."

Researchers reviewed 224 studies conducted on generally healthy adults, published between 1990 and 2013 and evaluated the effect of using the Internet, mobile phones, personal sensors or stand-alone computer software tools to inspire behavioral changes, such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, losing weight and stopping/reducing tobacco or alcohol use.

The study found out that, participants in internet interventions improved their diets, became more active, lost body weight/fat, reduced tobacco use and cut excessive alcohol use. Also, participants in mobile device interventions (using smartphone apps or receiving text or voicemail messages) increased their physical activity and lost body weight/fat.

Ashkan Afshin, M.D., M.P.H., Sc.D., lead study author said, "Both Internet-based and mobile-based programs can help people become more physically active, eat better and achieve modest weight loss over 3-12 months."

"Programs that have components such as goal setting and self-monitoring and use multiple modes of communication with tailored messages tended to be more effective. We also found these programs were more effective if they included some interactions with healthcare providers," Afshin added.

According to him, "Clinicians, in particular in primary care settings, can use such programs to help people improve their lifestyle behaviors and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes."

The research, however, has certain shortcomings. The studies using these interventions lasted less than six months, making it unclear whether these kinds of behavioral changes will be sustained over the long term. Moreover, most studies were conducted in high-income countries with volunteers who were generally more highly educated and motivated than the general public.

"Our study highlights several important gaps in current evidence on the Internet and mobile-based interventions. We need to evaluate their long-term value, effectiveness in different populations (such as the elderly and people from developing countries) and how different strategies may increase adherence to the programs," Afshin said.