Researchers looked at 53 different studies from around the world to see if using phones, apps, and text messages could help people eat healthier and exercise more. Most of the studies were done in Asia and focused on children and teenagers. The good news: these digital tools seemed to work pretty well at getting people to learn about nutrition and actually eat better foods. They also helped people become more active. However, the results weren’t as clear when measuring things like weight or body shape. This review shows that technology can be a helpful tool for health, but we need smarter ways to design these programs to make them work even better.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether using digital tools like apps, text messages, and social media can help healthy people in poorer countries eat better and exercise more
  • Who participated: 53 research studies mostly from Asia, with a focus on children, teenagers, and young adults who were generally healthy
  • Key finding: Digital tools were successful at teaching people about nutrition and getting them to eat healthier foods and move more. However, the tools didn’t always lead to clear changes in weight or body composition, possibly because different studies used different methods and lasted different amounts of time
  • What it means for you: If you live in a country with limited resources, using your phone or a health app might help you learn about healthy eating and stay active. However, don’t expect these tools alone to dramatically change your weight—they work best as part of a bigger health plan. Results may vary depending on how well the app is designed and how long you use it

The Research Details

This was a scoping review, which means researchers searched through five major medical databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library) to find all studies published between January 2000 and September 2024 about digital health tools in low- and middle-income countries. They looked specifically for studies that tested whether apps, text messages, social media, websites, and video games could help people improve their eating habits and physical activity.

The researchers only included studies that were well-designed experiments—either randomized controlled trials (where people are randomly assigned to use the tool or not) or quasi-experimental designs (similar but slightly less strict). They focused on studies involving healthy people, not those with existing diseases. The review examined 53 studies total, with most coming from Asia, and looked at what these digital tools actually accomplished.

This type of review is important because it gives us a big-picture view of what works and what doesn’t work when using technology for health in countries where resources are limited. Instead of looking at just one study, reviewing many studies together helps us see patterns and understand the real-world effectiveness of these tools. This matters because billions of people worldwide have access to phones but may not have easy access to doctors or gyms, so digital health tools could be a game-changer for improving health in these areas.

This review is fairly reliable because it searched multiple major medical databases and included only well-designed studies. However, the studies reviewed were quite different from each other—some lasted weeks, others months or years; some targeted kids, others teenagers or adults; and some used apps while others used text messages. This variety makes it harder to say exactly how well these tools work overall. The review also noted that many studies didn’t explain what scientific theories they were based on, which can make programs less effective. The researchers were transparent about these limitations, which is a good sign of quality.

What the Results Show

The review found that digital interventions were generally successful at improving three main things: how much people exercised, their knowledge about healthy eating, and the actual foods they chose to eat. Most of the 53 studies reported positive results in at least one of these areas. The tools seemed especially good at teaching people about nutrition—helping them understand what foods are healthy and why exercise matters.

When it came to physical activity, the digital tools helped people move more. This included things like using apps that track steps, video games that require movement, or text message reminders to exercise. Many studies showed that people who used these tools were more active than those who didn’t.

For food choices, the interventions helped people eat more healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. This suggests that digital tools can actually change what people put on their plates, not just what they know about nutrition. However, when researchers measured actual body weight or body fat, the results were mixed and less consistent. Some people lost weight, but others didn’t see major changes, which suggests that knowing about healthy eating and actually losing weight are two different things.

The review found that different types of digital tools had different levels of success. Social media, text messages, mobile apps, and websites all showed promise, but no single tool was clearly better than the others. The studies that worked best seemed to be those targeting children and teenagers rather than adults. This might be because younger people are more comfortable with technology and more open to changing their habits. The review also noted that programs lasting longer (several months) tended to show better results than short programs, suggesting that sustained effort matters for health behavior change.

This review builds on earlier research showing that digital health tools can work, but it provides a more complete picture by looking at studies specifically in low- and middle-income countries. Previous research often focused on wealthy countries where people have more resources. This review shows that digital tools can be helpful even in places with fewer resources, which is important because it means technology might be a practical solution for improving health globally. However, the review confirms what other research has suggested: that simply providing information or tools isn’t always enough to create lasting health changes, especially when it comes to weight management.

The biggest limitation is that the 53 studies were very different from each other, making it hard to draw firm conclusions. Some studies lasted only a few weeks while others ran for a year or more. Some focused on children, others on teenagers or adults. Some used simple text messages while others used complex apps with games and tracking features. This variety makes it difficult to say exactly which approaches work best. Additionally, many studies didn’t clearly explain the scientific thinking behind their programs, which might have made them less effective. The review also noted that most studies came from Asia, so we don’t know as much about whether these tools work equally well in other parts of the world. Finally, the fact that weight and body composition changes were inconsistent suggests that these digital tools might not be strong enough on their own to create major physical changes—they may work better when combined with other health strategies.

The Bottom Line

If you have access to a smartphone in a low- or middle-income country, using a health app or signing up for text message reminders about exercise and nutrition may help you learn about healthy habits and become more active. The evidence suggests this approach is moderately effective (medium confidence level). However, don’t rely on digital tools alone if your goal is to lose weight or significantly change your body composition—they work best as part of a broader health plan that might include in-person support, dietary changes, and consistent exercise. For best results, choose programs that are designed specifically for your situation and commit to using them for at least several months rather than just a few weeks.

These findings are most relevant for healthy children, teenagers, and young adults who want to improve their eating habits and activity levels. They’re especially useful for people in countries with limited healthcare resources who might not have easy access to doctors, nutritionists, or gyms. Parents and educators in these regions should also pay attention, as the tools seemed to work particularly well for younger people. However, if you have existing health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, you should work with a healthcare provider rather than relying solely on digital tools. Additionally, if your main goal is significant weight loss, these digital tools alone may not be sufficient—you’d benefit from a more comprehensive approach.

You might start noticing improvements in your knowledge about healthy eating within a few weeks of using a digital tool. Changes in what you actually eat and how much you exercise could appear within 4-8 weeks if you’re consistent. However, if you’re hoping to see changes in weight or body shape, be patient—most studies that showed these changes took at least 3-6 months, and some took much longer. The key is consistency: using the tool regularly over months, not just days or weeks, gives you the best chance of seeing real results.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track three specific metrics weekly: (1) number of days you used the health app or received and acted on health messages, (2) number of servings of fruits and vegetables eaten per day, and (3) minutes of physical activity per day. Record these in a simple chart or use your app’s built-in tracking feature to see patterns over 4-week periods.
  • Set up daily text message reminders or app notifications at specific times (like morning for exercise goals and dinner time for nutrition goals). Start with one small change—such as adding one extra serving of vegetables to dinner or taking a 10-minute walk after lunch—rather than trying to overhaul your entire routine at once. Use the app to log these small wins daily.
  • Every two weeks, review your tracking data to see if you’re meeting your goals. Every month, take a full-body photo and note how you feel (energy levels, mood, sleep quality) rather than focusing only on weight. Every three months, reassess your goals and adjust them based on what’s working. If you’re not seeing progress after 8-12 weeks, consider whether you need additional support like talking to a healthcare provider or finding a friend to use the app with you for accountability.

This review summarizes research about digital health tools in low- and middle-income countries, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The findings show that digital tools can help with learning about healthy eating and increasing physical activity, but results vary widely between individuals and programs. If you have existing health conditions, are pregnant, or have specific health concerns, consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new health program. Digital tools work best as part of a comprehensive approach to health that may include professional guidance. The studies reviewed were conducted in specific populations and regions, so results may not apply equally to everyone. Always verify that any app or program you use is from a reputable source and appropriate for your individual circumstances.