Evaluate Digital Health Options

Tools for Weight Management

There is an abundance of digital tools designed to support people with weight management, including smartphone apps and online programs. These tools can offer support with tracking nutritional intake, physical activity, sleep, and weight. Some of these programs integrate with devices (e.g., watches, glucose monitors, pedometers, scales connected to WiFi) to record personal data such as heart rate and blood glucose levels, and other health parameters. Some tools provide individualized messages to support healthy behaviors. 

Online and social media platforms can also be leveraged for information sharing and for connecting with a supportive community of individuals focused on weight management. These tools can be used to support behavioral therapies by providing access to healthful nutrition and physical activity resources as well as interactive technology, social media advice/support, and telemedicine (OMA, 2025). Self-monitoring with these devices is associated with increased weight loss as well as improved glycemic control (OMA, 2025). 

Despite perceptions that older adults are less likely to use these tools, research has found that their use can be feasible and well accepted by older adults; however, social and economic factors can influence access (Mace et al., 2022; Sixsmith et al., 2022). The selection of digital tools should be individualized based on each older adult’s needs and interests.

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