• by Erik Sass , Staff Writer, September 12, 2014

While a lot of attention has been paid to social media’s potentially harmful psychological effects (including ample coverage on this blog, basically because I am a Debbie Downer) the fact remains that social media in itself is just a tool and therefore value neutral, meaning its effects can be good or bad; it all depends on how people approach it and use it. On the positive side of the ledger, there’s a growing body of evidence that social media, in the form of online support groups and interventions, can help people lose weight.

The latest findings supporting this interesting application comes from Imperial College London, where researchers conducted a meta-analysis of twelve previous studies that used online social networks for weight loss interventions with a total of 941 study subjects and a similar number of control subjects. Nine studies use only Web-based social platforms, and three combined Web-based platforms with phone communication or mobile technology.

The analysis showed that these interventions produced an average 0.64% reduction in body mass index among study subjects and a 0.79% reduction in waist circumference -- obviously not a huge amount, but significant nonetheless, holding out hope that a refined methodology might enable greater weight loss. On average the social media interventions produced a 1.4% greater reduction in weight than other approaches not employing social media.

Lead author Dr. Hutan Ashrafian of Imperial College’s Department of Surgery and Cancer stated: “The feeling of being part of a community allows patients to draw on the support of their peers as well as clinicians. They can get advice from their doctor without the inconvenience or cost of having to travel, and clinicians can provide advice to many patients simultaneously.” However, Ashrafian went on: “There are also possible downsides, such as potential privacy issues and a need for the patient to be internet savvy, so it may not be right for everyone.”

Previous studies have suggested social media has clinical applications beyond weight loss. Earlier this year study from the University of Georgia found that social media can help with smoking cessation. And several studies from the Netherlands have suggested that niche social networks can help patients and doctors improve the treatment of chronic disease by encouraging patients to interact with doctors and adhere to care regimens.