Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 6, 2025

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
The Effect of Information Placebo on Physical Activity in Overweight and Obese Children
Shira Fanti-Oren1, Daphna Birenbaum-Carmeli1, Alon Eliakim2
1University of Haifa.
Purpose:
To assess the effect of 1 week of consuming a placebo "energy drink" compared with a week of drinking regular water on daily physical activity in obese children participating in a weight reduction multidisciplinary program.
Methods:
Seventeen prepubertal (age = 128.7 [26.6] m) overweight and obese children (7 females and 10 males) participated in the study. Participants received 7 bottles of mineral water per week for 2 weeks. Different types of information were randomly provided regarding the drink consumed in each week: standard (water) versus deliberate positive information (presumed energy drink and placebo). Daily step count was measured using pedometers and compared using paired t test.
Results:
After consuming the placebo drink, children demonstrated a significantly higher average daily step number (10,452 [4107]) compared with the days they drank water (8168 [2928], P < .005). This difference was attributed mainly to male participants.
Conclusion:
The use of placebo in the form of deliberate positive information was associated with a significant increase in real-life physical activity in overweight and obese children, especially in boys. Positive information may be used to encourage children with obesity to enhance daily physical activity and energy expenditure.
Related Concept Videos
The Placebo Effect
Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion
Obesity
Blind Procedures

