JMIR Formative Research (2023): users of an app integrated with a body composition smart scale who were active users lost significantly more weight and body fat — and gained more muscle — than inactive users.
Bright kitchen of an Alpine chalet: a smart bioimpedance scale on a wooden floor, natural morning light; no faces.
Results of digital engagement
Active users lost significantly more weight. Body composition analysis showed regular app use was correlated with body fat loss and muscle mass gain.
Body composition shown as a clean chart on a tablet beside a smart scale; neutral premium background; no faces.
Gamification and progress tracking as motivators
Two key engagement factors: gamification (challenges, goals, badges, leaderboards) and visual progress tracking (charts, trends, temporal comparisons).
A table with a spare Mediterranean breakfast in natural light, measured portions; crisp detail, no faces.
The technology does not motivate on its own: the visibility of biological change over time does.
The motivation paradox: seeing to believe
A muscle-mass and visceral-fat chart projected in the wellness room of an Alpine clinic; sober palette; no faces.
Seeing your visceral fat decrease — even with weight stable — is more motivating than seeing kg decline. The Digital Twin shows changes in understandable biological terms: not '0.5 kg less' but 'visceral fat -2%, muscle mass +1%'.
Bright kitchen of an Alpine chalet: a smart bioimpedance scale on a wooden floor, natural morning light; no faces.
The Digital Twin as a clinical gamification platform
Synchronised smart scale, progress tracking app, personalised goals, biologically motivating notifications. Gamification in the service of preventive medicine.
Body composition shown as a clean chart on a tablet beside a smart scale; neutral premium background; no faces.
JMIR Formative Research (2023) — https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e42266 · formative.jmir.org
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