Using Mobile Apps to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle Among Adolescents and Students: A Review of the Theoretical Basis and Lessons Learned.

ABSTRACT:

Background

European adolescents and students tend to have low levels of physical activity and eat unhealthy foods, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased, which poses a public health challenge. Mobile apps play an important role in their daily lives, suggesting their potential to be used in health-promoting strategies.

Objective

This review aimed to explore how mobile apps can contribute to the promotion of healthy nutrition, physical activity, and prevention of overweight in adolescents and students. For the apps identified, the review describes the content, the theoretical mechanisms applied, and lessons learned.

Methods

The databases Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched for English-language publications from January 2009 to Novemb

SUBMITTER: Dute DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4873621 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature