The Mobile Lifestyle Intervention for Food and Exercise (mLIFE) randomized trial examining the impact of gamifying social support provision for weight loss
Authors' conclusion
The use of points led to greater weight loss at 12 months, but only among adherent participants. Providing points for completing social support activities is a way to retain participants and increase engagement in a mobile intervention.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with overweight or obesity
- Participants
- 243 adults
- Comparison
- mLIFE + points vs mLIFE
- Primary endpoint
- Weight loss (measured via Fitbit scales)
- Follow-up
- 12 months
Methodological detailsmobile intervention, 12-month
- Mobile intervention
- 12-month
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Weight loss
P = 0.09
Further findings
Weight loss among adherent participants (n = 127; logged on ≥25% of study days) · more weight lost with mLIFE + points
P < 0.01
Attrition
χ2 9.8 · P < 0.01
Adherence
χ2 7.6 · P < 0.01
Mean
| Outcome | mLIFE + points | mLIFE | P value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total number of points earned · 12 monthsGroup × time interaction, ITT · Only significant group × time interaction in ITT analysis | 605.9 (SE 203.2) | 350.0 (SE 200.0) | P < 0.01 |
Original publication
The mLIFE randomized trial examining the impact of gamifying social support provision for weight loss. Obesity (Silver Spring). Published 8 July 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →