Using social gaming to help people lose weight
Targeting important behaviors for weight loss through the use of social gaming and points: The Social Pounds Off Digitally (Social POD) study
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA · NIH-10863859
This study is looking at how a fun mobile app that uses social gaming and rewards can help adults, especially those at risk for type 2 diabetes, lose weight by encouraging them to track their diet and support each other, and it will see how this app compares to a regular diet tracking app over three months.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10863859 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how social gaming and point systems can support weight loss efforts among adults, particularly focusing on those at risk for type 2 diabetes. Participants engage with a mobile app that rewards them for self-monitoring their diet and providing social support to one another. The study compares the effectiveness of this app to a standard diet tracking app over a three-month period. By fostering social connections and accountability, the aim is to enhance adherence to weight loss strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are overweight adults, particularly those who are African American and at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients who are not overweight or do not have a risk of developing type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective weight loss interventions that leverage social support to improve health outcomes for individuals at risk of diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that social support can enhance weight loss efforts, making this approach promising based on existing evidence.
Where this research is happening
COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA — COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TURNER-MCGRIEVY, GABRIELLE MICHELLE — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA
- Study coordinator: TURNER-MCGRIEVY, GABRIELLE MICHELLE
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus