Factors influencing perceived usefulness of a branded weight-loss app
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 15 January 2024
Issue publication date: 15 March 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to observe how a user’s individual factors in a commercial weight-loss treatment app affect their perceived usefulness of its features and how they relate to each other.
Design/methodology/approach
The information was obtained from an online survey with a sample of 412 users from a branded app for a commercial weight-loss treatment using body mass index (BMI), self-efficacy, social support and perceived usefulness as variables.
Findings
Users with higher self-efficacy perceived the app’s features as more useful. However, BMI was not a factor except for the psycho-emotional support features, which individuals with obesity perceived as more useful. Likewise, it was found that there weren’t any significant differences in self-efficacy based on their BMI. Lastly, it was found that social support could not be used as a factor to predict self-efficacy.
Research limitations/implications
This study helps understand how individual factors for behavioural change may affect the perceived usefulness of a weight-loss app. Furthermore, the significance of self-efficacy as an influencing factor provides useful information for companies and app developers alike when developing their branded apps.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the body of knowledge on factors affecting user perceptions of weight-loss apps. It also adds to the literature of branded apps as complimentary resources for companies, which has not been studied in detail.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the company owning the app for assisting with access to their patient database, as well as for their willingness to share their data for this study.
Citation
Martin-Vicario, L., Martínez-Sánchez, M.E. and Nicolas-Sans, R. (2024), "Factors influencing perceived usefulness of a branded weight-loss app", British Food Journal, Vol. 126 No. 4, pp. 1725-1742. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-06-2023-0478
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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