Gamification strategies in weight control applications, where "losing (weight) is winning"

Abstract

The World Health Organisation considers obesity to be a highly worrying epidemic, resulting from inadequate life and dietary choices. There are several mobile applications that calculate food intake and calories. Other research has shown that these systems use gamification strategies to motivate people's weight control. This work presents an analysis of three applications, in order to understand if the gamification is used superficially and sporadically, or if it is part of continuous strategies of engagement. Therefore, the game elements and design techniques are highlighted and discussed. The main findings reflect applications are based on some game elements, but they have not grounded these systems on the consumer journey. An analysis of weight control applications was conducted allowing the identification of its main features: control meal management, calories intake counter, predictions and plan for weight loss or gain. Game mechanics were also found, pointing to the use of gamification strategies, but in a superficial dimension, as this study shows.