Emerging technologies and virtual medicine in obesity management

Authors

  • F H Van Zyl Private practice and Clinical Projects Research Trial Centre, Worcester; Mediclinic Worcester Hospital, Western Cape, South Africa
  • M Noeth Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital, Pretoria; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0563-5617
  • P N Diab Atrium Diabetes Centre, Gillitts, KwaZulu-Natal; Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9896-4576
  • M Conradie-Smit Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
  • W May Cape Town Bariatric Clinic, Life Kingsbury Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8573-224X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2025.v115i9b.3699

Keywords:

Technology, Obesity, Guideline, South Africa

Abstract

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Implementation of strategies in the management of obesity can be delivered through web-based platforms (e.g. online education on medical nutrition therapy and physical activity) or mobile devices (e.g. daily weight reporting through a smartphone phone application) (Level 2a, Grade B).

2. We suggest that healthcare providers incorporate individualised feedback and follow-up (e.g. personalised coaching or feedback via phone or email) into technology-based management strategies to improve weight loss outcomes (Level 4, Grade D).

3. The use of wearable activity-tracking technology should be part of a comprehensive strategy for weight loss (Level 1a, Grade A).

 

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Published

2025-11-04

Issue

Obesity Guideline

Section

Obesity Guideline

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Copyright (c) 2025 F H Van Zyl, M Noeth, P N Diab, M Conradie-Smit, W May

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How to Cite

1.
Van Zyl FH, Noeth M, Diab PN, Conradie-Smit M, May W. Emerging technologies and virtual medicine in obesity management. S Afr Med J [Internet]. 2025 Nov. 4 [cited 2025 Nov. 12];115(10b):e3699. Available from: https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/article/view/3699