Telemedicine emerges as powerful tool in tackling obesity among older Americans – U.S. study reveals

Amid the rising obesity epidemic in the United States, an expert with a deep commitment to public health, Dr Olamide Asifat, has uncovered compelling evidence pointing to the power of telemedicine in managing obesity among adults aged 40 and above.

The findings were drawn from a robust systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies, conducted by Dr Asifat and a team of leading researchers. The study was published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare and evaluates telehealth’s effectiveness in obesity management among US adults aged 40 and older.

“Obesity is more than just a health issue—it’s a crisis linked to countless preventable deaths. Our findings show that telemedicine isn’t just convenient; it’s clinically effective for weight management, especially in adults over 40 who are statistically at the highest risk,” said Dr Asifat.

The study reported a statistically significant mean difference of 0.93 in favour of telemedicine interventions for weight loss. This suggests that participants engaging in remote sessions—via video, phone, or hybrid methods—achieved greater weight loss compared to those receiving standard care or minimal intervention.

Highlighting the urgency, Dr Asifat noted that nearly 44.3% of obesity cases in the US occur in the 40–59 age group. “This age range is a crucial window for preventive action,” he emphasised. “We need to start seeing telemedicine not as a supplement, but as a frontline strategy in our fight against obesity.”

What makes the findings especially compelling is the role of delivery method and duration. Subgroup analysis revealed that interventions lasting 6–12 months and those using telephone-based sessions were particularly effective. “It’s not just about the technology. It’s about consistency, accessibility, and human connection—even over the phone,” Dr Asifat emphasised.

He also pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a major turning point for the adoption of remote care. “What was once seen as a backup plan has now become a mainstream, evidence-backed approach. This study affirms that telemedicine can go far beyond managing acute conditions—it can reshape chronic disease management,” he said.

The team applied rigorous PRISMA methodology, drawing data from PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. The inclusion criteria focused on studies conducted among US adults aged 40 and older, with primary outcomes including changes in body weight and BMI.

While acknowledging some study limitations, such as variability and potential bias, Dr Asifat maintained the significance of the findings. “What we’re looking at here is a call to action—for health systems, insurers, and policymakers,” he stated.

He called on healthcare professionals and public health leaders to embrace customised telemedicine strategies, particularly for underserved communities with limited access to in-person care. “Imagine what’s possible if we scale these interventions. Telemedicine can bridge the gap in obesity care,” he asserted.

Obesity remains a major contributor to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, certain cancers, and stroke. “If left unchecked, the rising obesity rates among older adults will lead to a healthcare burden we are not prepared to handle. But with smart, scalable, tech-driven solutions, we can turn the tide,” warned Dr Asifat.

The study also emphasised that this is not just about technology—it’s about behaviour change. “Remote support, encouragement, and accountability are powerful motivators. People don’t just need information; they need interaction,” Dr Asifat said.

As telehealth continues to evolve, the study calls for longer-term, tailored interventions based on age and population demographics. “Obesity won’t disappear overnight, but if we commit to evidence-based telemedicine solutions, we can build a healthier, more resilient future,” Dr Asifat concluded.