Effects of the EatWelLog® Mobile Application for Managing Sarcopenic Obesity Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Exercise combined with a hypocaloric high-protein diet is recommended for sarcopenic obesity (SO), yet accessible dietary support remains limited. EatWelLog®, a mobile health (mHealth) nutrition application, was developed to facilitate dietary self-management. This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of an EatWelLog®-supported lifestyle intervention for community-dwelling older adults with SO. Methods: In this two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT), 40 adults aged ≥65 years at risk of SO were randomized to Conventional Supervised (CS) or mHealth-supported (MH) groups. Both groups received an 8-week intervention that included three individualized dietitian consultations, five group nutrition classes, and eight weekly 60 min multicomponent exercise sessions. The MH group also used EatWelLog® during the intervention and the 6-month follow-up. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and at the 3-month (T2) and 6-month (T3) follow-ups. Results: Recruitment (48.8%) and attendance (83.3%) rates supported feasibility. Four participants in the MH group dropped out after the beginning of the intervention. The App demonstrated moderate-to-high acceptability. Between-group differences and group × time interactions were not detected for primary outcomes. Muscle strength improved from baseline to post-intervention in both groups, and physical performance showed improvements in MH across all follow-up assessments. Focus group participants valued the App’s dietary tracking, feedback, and reminders, though they identified limitations in food-recording functions. Conclusions: Findings support feasibility and acceptability, but strategies are needed to reduce attrition and improve compliance with recording diets. As this pilot was not powered for effectiveness, the App’s added benefit remains uncertain. A larger, adequately powered RCT is warranted.