Integrating social media into weight loss interventions

•Information seeking and gaining self-empowerment are drivers of using social media.•Social media is often used in conjunction with other intervention delivery methods.•Social media as an exclusive intervention delivery method is understudied.•Social comparison theory is common among studies about social media and body image.•Social support and informational posts through social media assist in weight loss.

Integrating social media platforms into weight loss interventions is an emerging area of behavioral research. Delivering weight loss interventions via social media may help minimize barriers such as cost, time to deliver materials, and access to hard-to-reach populations. Additionally, users may benefit from receiving health information, social support, and motivation through social media. This review found several studies using social media in conjunction with or as an adjunct to other intervention delivery methods, indicating a need for understanding the effectiveness of social media as an independent delivery method. Future studies should investigate the positive and negative impacts of social media on weight loss behaviors and the effectiveness of social media on weight loss and maintenance behaviors.