AcTion: Aceh Nutrition Journal
Vol 11, No 3 (2026): September

Gamified and artificial intelligence–enabled mobile health applications for eating behaviour and weight-related outcomes in children and adolescents: a systematic review

Netta Meridianti Putri (Department of Nutrition, Universitas Tidar, Magelang)
Resti Kurnia Triastanti (Department of Nutrition, Universitas Tidar, Magelang)
Disyam Adityana Putra (PT. Hash Rekayasa Teknologi, Malang)



Article Info

Publish Date
16 Sep 2026

Abstract

Pediatric overweight and obesity are rising globally, including in Indonesia. Mobile health (mHealth) applications using gamification, artificial intelligence (AI)-based personalization, or both have been proposed for this group, but the evidence is unsynthesised and unclear. This study aimed to synthesize their effects on eating behavior and weight-related outcomes and describe engagement. Methods:  The following PRISMA 2020, four databases were searched (January 2016–July 21, 2026) with citation searching. Eligible studies enrolled participants aged 5–19 years, evaluated an mHealth application with gamification and/or AI-based personalization, and reported eating behavior or weight-related outcomes. Screening, extraction, and risk of bias assessment (RoB 2; NIH pre-post tool) were duplicated. The synthesis was narrative. Results: Five studies (four RCTs and one single-arm study; 486 participants) were included. Two interventions used conversational agents only, two used gamification only, and one used both; none was fully integrated. The dietary game increased simulated healthy food choices immediately after play (2.48 vs. 1.10; p<.001; d=1.25). Diet-tracking and gamified lifestyle applications produced no significant dietary changes, and none improved the BMI-SDS or z-score. Engagement metrics were non-comparable and showed a decline. Three RCTs had a high risk of bias. In conclusion, these applications are promising but not yet proven; current evidence is insufficient rather than negative. Adequately powered, registered trials with standardized outcomes and longer follow-ups are needed, including in Indonesia.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

an

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

AcTion: Aceh Nutrition Journal merupakan jurnal gizi dan kesehatan dengan E-ISSN 2548-5741 dan ISSN 2527-3310. Jurnal ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan dalam penyampaian hasil penelitian sebagai media yang dapat digunakan untuk meregistrasi, mendiseminasi, dan mengarsipkan karya peneliti ...