In today’s fast-paced world, staying healthy can feel like a chore. Exercise routines get repetitive, diet plans are hard to follow, and motivation often fades. But what if technology and play could make health fun? Enter health gamification, the use of game-like mechanics to encourage healthier behaviour. From fitness tracking to diabetes management, gamification is reshaping wellness. With the APAC region experiencing rapid tech adoption, could health gamification be the key to better well-being?

What is health gamification?

DID YOU KNOW?
Japan’s Pokémon Go craze led to increased walking rates nationwide, proving how gamification can increase real-world behaviour. According to a study by The University of Tokyo, Pokémon Go players, particularly those aged 40 and older, increased their daily step count, reducing physical inactivity and promoting healthier lifestyles, even during colder months when non-players were less active.

How is gamification improving health?

Fitness and step-tracking apps Apps like Strava or Fitbit, integrate gamified elements like leaderboards, daily challenges, and rewards to keep users motivated.

• Strava, a fitness app, creates a social fitness experience with weekly challenges, virtual races, and leaderboards. By fostering competition and community, Strava turns workouts into a fun, interactive experience.
• Singapore’s Health Promotion Board launched Healthy 365, a gamified app that rewards users for tracking their steps and participating in health challenges. Users earn points redeemable for vouchers, making fitness rewarding both physically and financially.
• Zombies, Run! is an immersive fitness game where players run to escape zombies, turning cardio into a thrilling adventure.

Chronic disease and weight management Gamification isn’t just about fitness; it’s also revolutionising diabetes care and weight loss programs.

• Joslin Diabetes Center’s Why WAIT program gamifies weight loss for diabetes patients by offering personalised progress tracking, goal setting, and rewards. Patients who use the program have shown long-term weight loss and better sugar control.
• Omada Health, a digital therapeutics platform, uses gamified coaching and interactive challenges to help people at risk of diabetes to build healthier habits and reduce their likelihood of developing the disease.

Fun web-based health games Health gamification isn’t limited to apps, web-based games can make healthy habits fun too.

• Whack the Unhealthy is a fast-paced web game where players “whack” unhealthy food choices like junk food and sugary drinks while selecting healthier options. This game raises awareness about smart nutrition choices in a fun and interactive way.

Mental wellbeing and cognitive training Gamification is also making waves in mental wellbeing apps.

• SuperBetter is a game-based mental resilience app that turns challenges like stress, anxiety and depression into “quests”. Users gain “power-ups” by completing positive actions, helping to improve their mental wellbeing.

Key benefits of health gamification

• Encourages healthy competition: Leaderboards and challenges push people to stay active.
• Boosts motivation: Rewards and achievements keep users engages.
• Builds long-term habits: Making health fun leads to sustainable behaviour lifestyle.
• Personalised wellness journeys: Users set goals that match their lifestyle.

DID YOU KNOW?
Dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” hormone spikes when we achieve game-like rewards, making us more likely to repeat healthy behaviours.

Health gamification is more than a passing trend, it’s a powerful tool that empowers you to take charge of your own health and wellbeing. From the engaging challenges of Singapore’s Healthy 365 app and the personalised strategies of Why WAIT, to the fun, interactive web games like Whack the Unhealthy, these innovations offer exciting way to transform your wellness journey.

But remember, while these tools provide inspiration and motivation, the ultimate control is in your hands. Every healthy decision, every step taken, and every mindful moment is yours to own. These gamified solutions are here to guide and support you, but you decide what works best for your life.