The Game of Stones Trial V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of text message and endowment incentives for weight management in men with obesity: The Game of Stones randomised controlled trial
IRAS ID
290955
Contact name
Pat Hoddinott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Stirling
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN91974895
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
People with obesity are at greater risk of type two diabetes, some cancers, heart disease, stroke, infections like Covid-19 and mobility problems. However, men rarely take part in weight loss services. Together with men who have tried to lose weight, we designed a new weight loss service.
GAME OF STONES AIMS: to find out if text messages (with and without cash incentives) can help men to lose weight over 1 year and keep it off for another year compared to a waiting list group. To find out the costs and benefits to the health service, and men’s experiences.
RESEARCHERS IN GLASGOW, BELFAST AND BRISTOL will recruit 585 men who want to lose weight from varied backgrounds. GP practices will send invitation letters and researchers will recruit men at community venues. Men will be allocated by chance to one of three groups: texts with incentives; texts only; and a 12-month waiting list for texts. The full cash incentive is paid at 12 months only if all personal weight loss targets are met when men are weighed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Some money is lost for each target weight that is not met. Weight loss after 12 months is the main outcome hoped for and men are asked questions about their health, quality of life, well-being and experiences. Men are also weighed 1 year later (24 months after the start), a year after the texts stop.
KEY QUESTIONS THIS STUDY WILL ANSWER: Does Game of Stones help men lose weight and keep it off? What are the costs and benefits for men and the NHS? Does this service help men who are less or more well-off?
THE FINDINGS will be shared with the public, men’s health groups and health service staff through social media, blogs, reports, presentations and research papers.REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
20/NS/0141
Date of REC Opinion
11 Dec 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion