Prevention is still better than cure!
29-04-2024
The Digital Life research group has been involved in the European project SO-NUTS for the past three years. This research focuses since April 2021 on prevention of unhealthy weight gain and obesity during crucial stages during the life course, such as during the transition from work to retirement.
The aging population is confronted with two conditions that pose a threat to healthy aging: high fat mass (obesity) and low muscle mass and function (sarcopenia). To prevent weight gain while maintaining muscle mass, it is very important that both physical activity and adequate nutrition are addressed.
Customized digital help
In this context, health technologies are promising tools for delivering personalized and attractive lifestyle interventions to a large group of people while also keeping healthcare costs low.
This fits exactly with the expertise of the Digital Life researchers. Somaya Ben Allouch, Michel Oey, Stephanie Kramer and Farzaneh Salehi have - in collaboration with the other consortium partners - the application 'SO-NUTS', various user tests were carried out and a suitable design was created. Valuable input on motivation, involvement and behavioral change, as researched by other partners, was taken into account.
Get started yourself
Via the app, users can work independently on three chosen goals in a three-week cycle, such as getting enough exercise, strengthening bones, maintaining balance, eating less fat, not drinking alcohol, eating enough legumes, etc. Each week they make a tailor-made plan to be actively involved.
To continue to inspire participants, everyone will also receive all kinds of motivating and stimulating messages, background information about the chosen goal and matching healthy recipes during those three weeks. The aim is for people to work on themselves in a positive way so that it becomes a natural habit.
European impact
The final app is available in the App Store and can currently be used in four European countries, including the Netherlands, Spain, Austria and the Czech Republic. Digital Life's work package has now been completed, but further research will continue until December 2025.
In the coming period, the results with user experiences will be collected and evaluated by part of the research team. The Czech Republic and Spain are also conducting an effectiveness study for a year.
In any case, Digital Life has enthusiastically contributed to building this intervention, because the professorship is committed to encouraging people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Ultimately, preventive care is still more sustainable than treating symptoms!
The app is available via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Are you interested in testing this? Please contact Stephanie Kramer via email: s.kramer2@hva.nl.