Digital-Assisted Nutritional Monitoring and Body Composition Changes in Aging Adults: A 6-Month Controlled Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND

Aging is associated with increased adiposity, sarcopenia risk, and metabolic vulnerability. Digital tools may enhance adherence to nutritional strategies, but their impact on detailed body composition remains insufficiently explored.

METHODS

This 6-month prospective controlled longitudinal intervention study included 60 middle-aged and older adults. All participants received a smart watch and smart scale for self-monitoring. The control group attended evaluations only at baseline and study completion, while the intervention group received monthly follow-up and remote feedback. Body composition was assessed using multi-frequency BIA. Statistical analyses included paired tests, effect sizes, correlations, and linear mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

Significant reductions were observed in BMI (p < 0.001), fat mass (p = 0.003), and visceral fat (p = 0.003; Cohen's d = 0.41). The sarcopenic index improved (p = 0.001), while skeletal muscle mass remained stable. ECW increased significantly (p = 0.010). Age was inversely associated with the magnitude of improvement. Mixed-effects modeling confirmed a time-dependent reduction in visceral fat independent of age and sex.

CONCLUSIONS

A 6-month digitally assisted nutritional monitoring program was associated with favorable changes in adiposity, muscle quality, and hydration status. Multi-frequency BIA provides valuable integrative markers for monitoring nutritional interventions in aging populations.