Behavioral Change Through Serious Gaming Approaches for Childhood Obesity Interventions

Article

Behavioral Change Through Serious Gaming Approaches for Childhood Obesity Interventions

Ioannis Vondikakis ¹, Elena Politi ¹, Christos Chronis ¹, George Dimitrakopoulos¹ , Michael Georgoulis ², George Saltaouras ², Meropi Kontogianni ², Christos Nikitas ³, Penio Kassari ^4 5, Evangelia Charmandari ^4 5, Ioannis Kouris ⁶, Ioannis Kakkos ⁶, Kostantinos Mpromis ⁶, Giorgos Matsopoulos ⁶, Dimitris Koutsouris ⁶

¹dept. of Informatics and Telematics, Harokopio University of Athens (HUA).
²dept. of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University of Athens (HUA).
³1st dept. of Otolaryngology, ‘Hippocrateio’ Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).
⁴Center for the Prevention and Management of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital, Athens.
⁵Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens.
⁶Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Institute of Communications and Computer Systems.

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a significant public health issue that can lead to a variety of physical and mental health implications. Serious games offer an innovative approach to address this challenge by reinforcing behaviors through interactive components. In this work, we explore the potential of serious games as a tool for facilitating behavior change in interventions to address childhood obesity. This paper presents the design approach of three serious games that aims to promote healthy habits in younger populations and tackle childhood obesity. Based on a systematic review, key factors influencing childhood obesity are identified. Protective factors include regular physical activity, a healthy diet and family meals. Risk factors include excessive screen time, unhealthy eating habits and consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks. The results of these studies served as a foundation for the design of the serious games, while the identified educational objectives were translated into game elements. Those three serious games approaches can be used to complement clinical monitoring for a comprehensive approach to the problem.

Keywords: metabolomics; metabolic signatures; metabolic biomarkers; childhood obesity