The Claim

A web-based weight loss program delivered via Facebook Messenger and a custom platform achieved a 60% retention rate at 6 months in Mexican adults with overweight or obesity, and this retention rate is comparable to those reported in other digital weight loss interventions.

Source: Efficacy of an Online Weight Loss Program for Mexican Adults: Findings From a Randomized Controlled Trial

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
79score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Description
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In a study of Mexican adults with overweight or obesity, a digital weight loss program delivered through Facebook Messenger and a custom platform kept 60% of participants engaged for six months, which matched retention rates seen in other digital weight loss programs.

See the scientific wording

In a randomized controlled trial of Mexican adults with overweight or obesity, a web-based weight loss program delivered via Facebook Messenger and a custom platform achieved a 60% retention rate at 6 months, which is comparable to retention rates reported in other digital weight loss interventions, suggesting that digital delivery can sustain engagement in this population.

Why this might work

Receiving consistent messages and feedback through a phone app triggers brain reward signals that make people keep doing the behavior, like checking the app and following diet plans, because the brain learns to associate the app with positive outcomes.

Suggested mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Efficacy of an Online Weight Loss Program for Mexican Adults: Findings From a Randomized Controlled Trial

    In a study of Mexican adults trying to lose weight online, 60% stuck with the program for six months — which is about what other online weight loss programs see, so it works well for this group.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.