Digital Microsteps as Scalable Adjuncts for Adults Using GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Randomized Clinical Trial - PubMed
14 hours ago
- #digital health interventions
- #GLP-1 receptor agonists
- #behavioral change
- Digital microsteps, small behavior change prompts, were tested as scalable adjuncts for adults using GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs).
- The study was a 3-arm online randomized clinical trial with 5054 participants using GLP-1RAs, conducted between June 19 and July 1, 2025.
- Participants received either written microsteps plus a storytelling video (arm A), written microsteps plus a didactic video (arm B), or a control condition (arm C).
- Primary outcomes measured behavioral expectation to adopt health nudges immediately after exposure and at a 2-week follow-up.
- Results showed significant increases in behavioral expectations immediately after exposure, with effects persisting for 2 weeks, though smaller.
- The storytelling video was more effective than the didactic video across most microsteps.
- Immediate increases in hope and happiness were observed but dissipated by the 2-week follow-up.
- The storytelling video group reported reduced sugar-sweetened beverage consumption compared to the control group at follow-up.
- The findings suggest digital microsteps plus short video boosters could be effective adjuncts to pharmacotherapy for lifestyle changes.
- Longer trials are needed to assess sustained behavior change.