SIGMA: A Self-help, Integrated, and Gamified Mobile-phone Application for weight management in young adults

Abstract

Background: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for weight management and relapse reduction in overweight and obese individuals (Cooper & Fairburn, 2001). However, more easily accessible interventions are necessary. Therefore, SIGMA (i.e., the Self-help, Integrated, and Gamified Mobile-phone Application) is the first mobile application based on CBT principles.The objectives of the SIGMA project are to develop and test a mobile application for maladaptive behavioral (e.g., dietary styles) and cognitive (e.g., dysfunctional beliefs) weight management habits. Methods: The SIGMA application will be tested via a pilot randomized controlled trial, contrasting the SIGMA application versus self-help CBT, totaling 20 participants per condition. Selected participants will be overweight young adults with deficient eating behaviors (e.g., binge eating). The intervention will last three months, having a three-month follow-up. SIGMA will assess the shift in cognitive and behavioral habits, as well as weight changes. Completers-only and intent-to-treat analyses will ensue. Expected results: The results are expected to render an efficacious SIGMA application in comparison to self-help CBT in terms of maladaptive cognitive and behavioral habits, with long term benefits for weight reduction. Current status: The SIGMA application is a work in progress, expected to be due by the end of 2016. It is part of the PNII-RU-TE-2014-4-2481 grant. The current status of the work focuses on designing and building the core features of the SIGMA application. Discussion: The SIGMA project drives the research towards integrative applications, intertwining scientific cognitive-behavioral principles with gamified elements for long-term changes in cognitive and dietary habits.