Childhood obesity continues to be one of the most pressing public health issues in the U.S. Beyond weight gain, the condition raises risks for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and emotional challenges that can carry into adulthood. While traditional, in-person programs remain valuable, many families struggle with barriers such as cost, travel, scheduling, and stigma.
That’s where telehealth and digital health interventions (DHIs) come in. These tools offer clinicians new ways to support patients through approaches that are scalable, family-centered, and easier to access. Let’s take a look at a piece penned by Mollie R. Cummins, Ph.D., RN, about the benefits of DHIs backed by research, recommended strategies for clinicians and parents, and current challenges.
What the research shows
Recent systematic reviews and clinical trials suggest that digital programs can do more than just help lower body mass index (BMI). Children who participate in well-designed DHIs have shown improvements in diet quality, increased physical activity, and better emotional well-being. Some programs also document reductions in body fat percentage, especially when combined with traditional clinical care.
Importantly, these findings align with the 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Clinical Practice Guideline, which encourages clinicians to consider digital tools as part of comprehensive obesity treatment.
Broader benefits beyond BMI
Cummins writes:
Beyond weight, DHIs have demonstrated benefits in nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial health. Children engaged in digital programs consumed fewer sugary beverages, ate more fruits and vegetables, and became more active. Interventions that incorporated gamification or active video gaming promoted movement and reduced sedentary time. Importantly, several studies also documented improvements in quality of life, self-efficacy, and self-esteem.
Key strategies for clinicians
When using DHIs, clinicians should think beyond the technology itself and consider how to integrate these tools effectively into care. Here are some best practices:
- Blend digital with traditional care. Programs work best when paired with in-person visits or established clinical management.
- Engage parents actively. Family involvement improves adherence and helps reinforce healthy habits at home.
- Focus on behavior and psychosocial goals. Increases in activity, improved diet, and boosts in self-esteem can be as meaningful as weight-related outcomes.
- Prioritize interactive, tailored tools. Children stay engaged when programs feel relevant and enjoyable.
- Plan for the long term. Short-term results are promising, but sustained change requires ongoing support and structured follow-up.
Barriers and challenges
While promising, digital interventions aren’t without hurdles. Clinicians need to anticipate challenges such as:
- Declining engagement. Many families start strong but taper off after a few months. Booster sessions or scheduled check-ins may help maintain momentum.
- Access and equity gaps. Not all families have reliable internet, digital devices, or the literacy to use them effectively. Screening for these issues is critical.
- Safety considerations. Too much screen time or excessive focus on weight tracking can be counterproductive. Monitoring mental health and encouraging balanced use is essential.
- Workflow integration. Without alignment to electronic health records or clinical processes, DHIs can add strain. Programs must fit seamlessly into care delivery.
- Evidence variability. Not all digital tools are created equal. Clinicians should prioritize those with peer-reviewed research and transparent methods.
Digital obesity care of the future
Cummins writes:
The next phase of telehealth-supported obesity care will require innovation and clinical adaptation. These priorities are consistent with the World Health Organization’s global recommendations…
Areas of growth include:
- Personalized care pathways using artificial intelligence and data analytics to deliver real-time, adaptive feedback.
- Wearable integration for tracking activity, sleep and nutrition, but only if clinicians can incorporate the data without overwhelming workflows.
- Sustained models of care such as year-long hybrid programs that blend telehealth visits, digital coaching and community resources.
- Family-centered design, ensuring interventions reflect cultural needs and practical realities.
- Broader outcome measures, including sleep, self-esteem and social participation, not just BMI.
Summing it up, Cummins writes:
Telehealth and digital health interventions can be valuable tools for clinicians working with children and families affected by obesity. While weight reduction outcomes appear modest, the broader behavioral and psychosocial benefits are also important. By selecting evidence-based, interactive, and family-centered programs and by planning for long-term support, clinicians can use DHIs to expand access, increase engagement, and promote healthier futures for children.
Your responses and feedback are welcome!
Source: “Using Telehealth and Digital Health to Treat Childhood Obesity,” Telehealth.org, 8/27/25
Source: “Digital health interventions to treat overweight and obesity in children and adolescents: An umbrella review,” Obesity Reviews, 2/19/25
Source: “Digital health, technology‐driven or technology‐assisted interventions for the management of obesity in children and adolescents,” Cochrane Library, 7/10/25
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