Background:

Mobile technologies can enhance dietary changes in patients affected by overweight and obesity. Evidence of mobile applications designed and adapted to the Latin American context is, however, limited.

Objective:

To evaluate the use of the mobile app NutriMetas as part of a group nutrition education intervention, including anthropometric changes, and satisfaction with the mobile application.

Materials and Methods:

Randomized controlled study, in which all participants attended group nutrition education sessions, and recorded their goal progress with NutriMetas (experimental group, n=26) or on paper (control group, n=26). Multilevel mixed models were used to assess anthropometric changes (weight, BMI, body fat percentage and waist circumference between groups).

Results:

The experimental group had a mean weight-loss of 2.1±2.6 kg in comparison to 0.7±1.6 kg for the control group (p=0.08). Attributes of appearance, effectiveness, efficiency, and ease of use of NutriMetas were rated favorably by a majority of program participants.

Conclusions:

NutriMetas mobile application was an effective tool when used as part of the group weight loss nutrition intervention.

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