Incentivizing social support in the randomized mobile Lifestyle Intervention for Food and Exercise study: the impact...

Few weight loss interventions have isolated the use of gamification through points to incentivize the social support needed for successful weight loss during a mobile intervention.

To compare a group that receives points [mLife (mobile Lifestyle Intervention for Food and Exercise)+points] vs. a group that did not receive points (mLife) for completing social support activities. Differences in social support perceptions, provision, and receipt were examined as part of a 12-month weight loss intervention. The mediating role of these activities with weight loss was also examined.

Participants with overweight/obesity (n = 243 enrolled) were recruited to participate in a 12-month randomized trial delivered via the mLife app. Perceived social support was measured via survey [Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)] and by ratings of support received in the app. Social support provision was assessed via the number of social support activities completed in the mLife app over 12 months, and social support receipt was assessed as the number of social support activities a participant received over 12 months.

At 12 months, mLife+points participants had greater perceived social support (difference between groups: total MSPSS 0.52 ± 0.16, P < .01; ratings of support via app: 0.17 ± 0.07, P = .02) and greater rate ratio (RR) of providing social support (RR = 2.23, P < .001) and receiving social support (RR = 2.4, P < .001) as compared to mLife participants. Both social support receipt and provision mediated the relationship between group and 12-month weight loss.

Incentivizing social support provision during a weight loss intervention via points is a potential way to increase social support perceptions, provision, and receipt.

The Clinical Trials Registration #NCT05176847.