A digital health solution to reduce unhealthy cravings 

According to the WHO, nearly 60% of European adults were overweight or obese in 2022, which the organization describes as having reached “epidemic dimensions.” Excessive weight has been recognized as a major public health concern and a significant contributor to death and disability. Obesity is a key risk factor for numerous diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and some cancers. At the same time, the fight against obesity is challenging. Current solutions like diets, cognitive behavioral therapy, or GLP-1 drugs show more than 90% failure or dropout rates. 

Lucas Spierer and Frederik Plourde wanted to break new ground in the battle against the unhealthy kilos. They developed a clinically validated digital therapeutic (Bewe SA-System) that reduces unhealthy cravings and overeating behaviors by recalibrating the brain's reward system via playful cognitive training. Delivered as a mobile app, the solution embeds neuroscience-based tasks into engaging video games, enabling effortless behavioral change without self-control or medication.

To verify the functionality of this system, the University of Fribourg completed four randomized controlled trials with over 500 participants. The results are astonishing: The patients showed a replicated 25% reduction in unhealthy food consumption, a 20% decrease in cravings, and sustained weight loss. 

This digital tool introduces a new class of digital therapeutics by combining neuroscience, gamification, and clinical utility. Furthermore, it provides a new solution for the high health care burden associated with overweight and obesity.