Mobile App Engagement and Effective Weight Management
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mobile application engagement and lifestyle outcomes, specifically physical activity and dietary habits, during a 36-day virtual competition designed to promote healthier behaviors, including increased physical activity and adherence to a plant-based, whole-food diet.
Material and Methods: A secondary data analysis of the ThaiSook prospective cohort study was conducted. Participants were divided into 2 groups based on their engagement with the mobile application: “High-engagement Users” (>50% of challenge days) and “Low-engagement Users” (<50% of challenge days).
Results: Among 154 participants (74.7% female; mean age 39.1±10.7 years; median body mass index 23.1 kg/m²), “High-engagement Users” (n=97) had significantly higher average daily step counts (4,921.64±5,721.22 steps) compared to “Low-engagement Users” (n=57) (3,508.81±4,270.00 steps, p-value<0.001). Similarly, High-engagement Users had longer average daily workout durations (35.55±49.59 minutes) than Low-engagement Users (14.14±34.29 minutes, p-value<0.001). High-engagement Users also achieved greater weight loss, with a mean reduction of −0.77 kg. Multiple logistic regression revealed that using the application for more than 18 days was significantly associated with weight loss, with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.64 (p-value=0.017).
Conclusion: High engagement with a mobile application is positively associated with improved physical activity and weight loss outcomes. These findings underscore the potential of mobile health applications to drive healthier lifestyle behaviors, highlighting the critical role of consistent usage.
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