As the new year brings a surge of health resolutions, a simple online quiz could be the key to finally sticking to your weight loss goals, according to a new UK study.
Personalised Profiles Drive Engagement
Researchers from City, University of London and St George’s, University of London have found that a short, 17-question questionnaire can significantly boost a person's commitment to a weight management programme. The study, published in the journal JMIR Formative Research, involved 148 UK adults taking part in a free, NHS-commissioned 12-week digital plan.
Participants answered questions, ranking statements like “When I feel sad, I often overeat” on a scale. Based on their answers, they were grouped into four distinct eating profiles, such as "maladaptive comfort-eaters". These groups then received weekly, tailored advice for seven weeks via the Oviva weight loss app.
Tailored Advice Leads to Better Results
The impact was clear. Those who received personalised guidance based on their quiz results were 90.5% more likely to actively engage with the app compared to those who did not take the quiz. While average weight loss was greater in the quiz group, the difference wasn't statistically significant within the short seven-week timeframe, a limitation the researchers noted.
Dr Joanna Szypula, the study's lead behaviour change researcher, emphasised the importance of a personalised approach. "Weight loss is personal – what works for one person may not work for another," she said. "By identifying these behaviour profiles, we can help people work out what is most likely to hold them back."
A New Tool in Tackling Obesity
The findings point to a promising future for digital health interventions. With over a quarter of UK adults living with obesity, such personalised tools could help reduce preventable illness and associated healthcare costs. The team hopes to extend the trial over a longer period to better measure sustained weight loss outcomes.
Dr Szypula added an encouraging note: "The good news is all the factors we looked at can potentially be tackled and changed." This research underscores the potential for simple, accessible technology to provide the customised support needed for long-term lifestyle change.
