Researchers looked at 43 studies from China that used WeChat, a popular messaging app, to help people lose weight. They found that 86% of these studies showed real weight loss results. WeChat was used to share healthy eating tips, track exercise, and create support groups. While the results look promising, most studies weren’t designed in the strongest way possible. This review suggests WeChat could be a helpful tool for weight loss, especially in China where over a billion people use it, but scientists need to do better research to prove it really works.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can using WeChat (a messaging app) help people lose weight and keep it off?
  • Who participated: 43 different research studies from China involving people trying to lose weight or prevent weight gain. The studies used WeChat’s features like group chats and health accounts.
  • Key finding: About 86 out of 100 studies (86%) showed that WeChat-based weight loss programs actually worked. People lost weight, their BMI went down, and their waist size decreased—both in the short term and over longer periods.
  • What it means for you: If you live in China or use WeChat, this app might be a useful tool to help you lose weight when combined with healthy eating and exercise. However, the research isn’t perfect yet, so don’t rely on it alone. Talk to a doctor before starting any weight loss program.

The Research Details

This was a scoping review, which means researchers looked at many different studies to see what they all showed together. They searched two large databases of medical research—one in English (PubMed) and one in Chinese (China National Knowledge Infrastructure)—using words like “WeChat,” “obesity,” and “weight loss.” They started with 665 studies but carefully selected only 43 that actually tested WeChat programs for weight loss and measured real results like how much weight people lost. Each study was checked for quality using a standard checklist to see if it was done well. The researchers then organized all the information and looked for patterns across the studies.

This approach is important because most research about WeChat and weight loss is published in Chinese, so people around the world don’t know about it. By bringing all these studies together and translating the findings, scientists can understand whether this popular app really works for weight loss. This helps doctors and app developers decide if they should recommend WeChat or create similar programs in other countries.

Most of the studies (97.7%) didn’t use the strongest research design—they didn’t randomly assign people to different groups or hide which people got the real program versus a fake one. Also, 92% of studies didn’t clearly report whether people actually used the program as instructed. These are important weaknesses that make it harder to be completely sure the results are real. However, the fact that 86% of studies showed positive results suggests WeChat probably does help, even with these limitations.

What the Results Show

The main finding is that WeChat-based weight loss programs worked in most cases. Out of 43 studies, 37 showed that people who used WeChat programs lost weight and improved their measurements. These improvements included lower body weight, lower BMI (a measure of body size), smaller waist circumference, and less body fat. The weight loss happened both in the short term (weeks to months) and over longer periods (months to a year or more).

The programs typically used two main WeChat features: “WeChat groups” (like group chats where people could support each other) and “Official Accounts” (public pages that shared health information). Through these features, people got tips about healthy eating, could log their exercise and meals, and received encouragement from others trying to lose weight.

The fact that 86% of studies showed success is encouraging, especially because these programs reached millions of people in China. WeChat has 1.36 billion users, which means this type of program could potentially help a huge number of people.

The review found that most programs focused on education (teaching people about healthy eating and exercise) and tracking (helping people record what they ate and how much they exercised). Some programs also created communities where people could support each other. However, the researchers noticed that most programs didn’t use all of WeChat’s features—for example, few programs used the payment feature to help people buy healthy food, and almost none used live streaming to teach exercise classes or cooking demonstrations.

This research fits with what scientists already know: digital tools and apps can help people lose weight. Previous research showed that text messages, websites, and other apps work for weight loss. This review shows that WeChat, which is specifically popular in China, also works. What’s new is that this is the first time someone has gathered all the Chinese research together and shown it to the international scientific community.

The biggest limitation is that most studies weren’t designed in the strongest way possible. Real scientific proof usually comes from randomized controlled trials, where people are randomly put into groups—some get the real program and some don’t. Only a few of the 43 studies did this. Also, most studies didn’t clearly report whether people actually used the program regularly, which makes it hard to know if the weight loss was because of WeChat or because of something else. Additionally, all these studies were done in China, so we don’t know if the results would be the same in other countries with different cultures and different apps.

The Bottom Line

If you’re in China and want to lose weight, WeChat-based programs may be helpful as part of your overall plan (along with eating healthy and exercising). The evidence suggests these programs probably work, but the confidence level is moderate because the research could be better designed. Don’t use WeChat programs as your only weight loss tool—combine them with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and advice from a doctor or nutritionist.

This research matters most to people in China who use WeChat and want to lose weight. It also matters to app developers and health organizations thinking about creating similar programs. Doctors and nutritionists should know about this research when recommending tools to patients. However, if you live outside China and don’t use WeChat, this research is less directly useful to you, though it shows that messaging apps in general can help with weight loss.

Based on the studies reviewed, people who used WeChat programs saw weight loss within weeks to months. Some studies followed people for a year or longer and still saw benefits. However, like all weight loss, the results depend on how much effort you put in and how long you stick with the program. Don’t expect overnight results—realistic weight loss is about 1-2 pounds per week.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your weight weekly and your waist circumference monthly. Also track how many times per week you use the app’s features (like logging meals or checking health tips). This helps you see if using the app more often leads to better weight loss results.
  • Join a WeChat group focused on weight loss or healthy living. Use the app’s food and exercise logging features daily. Set a goal to check health tips or educational posts at least 3 times per week. Share your progress with the group to stay motivated.
  • Check your weight and measurements every 2-4 weeks. Keep a record of which WeChat features you use most and which ones help you stay motivated. After 3 months, review your progress and adjust your approach if needed. Consider having a monthly check-in with a doctor or nutritionist to make sure you’re losing weight safely.

This review summarizes research about WeChat programs for weight loss, but it is not medical advice. Before starting any weight loss program, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian, especially if you have health conditions, take medications, or have a history of eating disorders. WeChat programs should be used as a tool alongside healthy eating, regular exercise, and professional medical guidance—not as a replacement for medical care. Results vary by individual, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you experience any health problems while using a weight loss program, stop and contact your healthcare provider immediately.