Investigating the Design of Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs) Messages Targeting Eating Behaviors

Abstract

Obesity and being overweight is an ongoing issue and a pervasive concern in the United States. There are many programs available that try to assist with weight loss in a variety of forms which are sometimes reactive in their philosophies and methods. This paper discusses insights on the design of SMS messages that seek to provide users just-in-time feedback regarding energy intake (J1) and eating rate (J2). This was accomplished by surveying participants' responses to SMS messages via a study to ascertain whether they would comply with the direction provided via SMS to further their weight loss journey. Results from this study suggest that participants overall felt that the SMS messages designed to aid them in their weight loss journey are helpful and would result in compliance. Results also suggest that participants had higher levels of comprehension with numeric messages.