Supplementing a widely available weight loss program with gamified inhibitory control training: A randomized pilot...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Obesity Research
• Digital Health

Background:

• Self-regulatory processes are key targets for improving obesity treatment outcomes.
• Gamification in training may enhance adherence and benefits for weight management.
• Pilot study to assess gamified inhibitory control training's impact on BMI.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the preliminary efficacy of adding gamified inhibitory control training (PolyRules!) to a weight management program (WW).
• Assess the impact on Body Mass Index (BMI) changes in adults with overweight/obesity.
• Explore implementation and process indicators for future research.

Main Methods:

• 30 adults with overweight/obesity were randomized into two groups: WW alone or WW plus PolyRules! for 12 weeks.
• Primary outcome: change in BMI from baseline to post-intervention.
• Process measures included session completion rates and participant experiences.

Main Results:

• Average BMI change was -0.9 for WW and -1.2 for WW + PolyRules! (Cohen's d = 0.26).
• In the WW + PolyRules! group, higher training engagement correlated with greater BMI reduction (r = -0.506, p = 0.0454).
• Participants in the WW + PolyRules! arm completed 60.4% of sessions and reported positive experiences; no significant differences in food/weight tracking frequency.

Conclusions:

• Supplementing WW with gamified inhibitory training is feasible and well-tolerated.
• Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm training-related effects on weight loss.
• Gamified inhibitory training shows potential as an adjunct for obesity management.