Obesity Management using Mobile Health Applications: A Case Study from Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background: Health applications in mobiles have revolutionized self-monitoring strategies in weight management. These applications analyze and summarize health data of an individual in an easy-to-understand manner to meet specific goals of the users or patients. This study aims to find out the usefulness of health applications in smartphones to prevent obesity and maintain good health and fitnessamong students studying at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 195 students in UQU. Stratified-random sampling method was used, and a self-administered questionnaire was used for collection of data. Descriptive statistics(frequencies and percentages) were conducted. Also, the chi-square test of association was performed. Results and Discussion: It was found that 22.05% of the respondents were overweight and 10.26% were obese. Different purposes and levels of use were reported by the participants. The participants’ perceptions about Mobile Health Applications (believe in their effectiveness, believe in their privacy, purposes from using these applications (apps), and average use of these apps had significant associationswith the participants’ weight. Conclusion: The health applications in smartphones have the potential to serve as an effective tool for the benefit of patients and individuals in the management and prevention of obesity. A good lifestyle coupled with BMI monitoring after specific periods can help to keep a better and healthy life.