Effect of using the snackability app on snack quality among US college students with overweight and obesity: A randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine if using the Snackability app improves snack intake among college students. PARTICIPANTS: US college students with overweight/obesity were recruited in June 2020-April 2021. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted to test the Snackability app use for 12 wk on snack scores (calculated from the app) compared to controls. We also explored the effect on diet quality (Healthy Eating Index-2015) and weight. Outcomes were compared between the intervention and the control groups at 4, 8, and 12 wk using repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Participants in the app group significantly increased snack score at week 4 (p < 0.001) and week 8 (p = 0.015) and increased HEI-2020 score (p < 0.001) at week 4 compared to controls. The first 4 wk had the highest app usage. No significant differences were seen in body weight. CONCLUSIONS: The Snackability app can be used as a tool to help improve snack and diet quality in this group.