A simple motivational text message is a cheap, effective way to help reduce BMI as well as decrease blood pressure in patients with cardiovascular risk factors, according to an Australian study.

The systematic review by researchers at Deakin University and the University of Sydney looked at nine different studies on text message interventions around the world involving over 3770 participants.

They assessed the impact of text messages on BP and BMI, saying although the reductions were modest, they could potentially have a large impact over a larger population.

The interventions providing motivation and advice on lifestyle factors led to a reduction in BMI of 0.2 and a reduction in systolic BP of 1.3mm Hg, the authors reported in Heart Open.