Engaging Men in Weight Loss With a Game-based mHealth and Neurotraining Program

Launched by DREXEL UNIVERSITY · Jun 3, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new weight loss program designed specifically for men who are overweight or obese. The program uses a mobile app that includes game-like features to make weight loss more engaging and enjoyable. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will follow a standard weight loss program, while the other will use a gamified version that includes team competitions and rewards for reaching goals. The trial aims to see if this gamified approach helps men lose more weight, eat healthier, and stay active over a year.

To be eligible for the study, participants should be adult men aged 18 to 65 with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 50, indicating they are overweight or obese. They need to be physically able to walk a short distance and have a preference for high-calorie foods. Participants will be asked to track their progress and engage with the app regularly. It's important to note that individuals with certain health conditions or recent weight loss may not qualify. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and those who join can expect support and encouragement throughout their weight loss journey.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • Individuals must be of overweight or obese BMI (25-50 kg/m)
• • Individuals must be adults (aged 18-65)
• • Able to engage in physical activity (defined as walking two city blocks without stopping)
• • Individuals must also provide consent for the research team to contact their personal physician, if necessary, to provide clearance for the prescribed level of physical activity (i.e., walking) or to consult about rapid weight loss
• • Have moderate-to-high implicit preference for high-calorie foods
• • Satisfactory completion of all enrollment procedures\]
• Exclusion criteria:
• • Medical condition (e.g., cancer, type I diabetes, renal failure), heavy alcohol use, or psychiatric condition (e.g., active substance abuse, eating disorder) that may pose a risk to the participant during intervention or cause a change in weight
• • Recently began or changed the dosage of medication that can cause significant change in weight
• • History of bariatric surgery
• • Weight loss of ≥ 5% in the previous 3 months