[NB: This is a news story from May 2021. For up-to-date information on the study, visit the Game of Stones study website.]
The study is part of a large trial, called ‘Game of Stones’, taking place in Bristol, Glasgow, Belfast and surrounding areas.
Men who take part in the study will receive regular text messages for 12 months and attend a maximum of five appointments over two years.
The aim of the study is to find out if a text messaging service, with or without cash incentives, can help men to lose weight over a year, and keep it off for another year, compared to a waiting list group.
The study will also explore the costs and benefits for men and the NHS, whether the service is as effective for men who are less well off as for men who are well off, and men’s experiences of the service.
Professor Katrina Turner from the Centre for Academic Primary Care, who is leading the Bristol study, said: "Men who want to lose weight may struggle to do so and are less likely to engage with weight loss services. The Game of Stones study has been designed with men, for men who want to lose weight. An early pilot suggests it could help men both lose weight and maintain weight loss."
Jack Brazier, fieldworker on the trial, said: “We’re excited to be able to welcome men into the full-scale trial. We need around 200 men from Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset to take part and are happy to answer any questions they may have about the study.”
For more information about the study and how to take part:
- visit the study website: www.gameofstonesresearch.com/Public/Public/index.cshtml
- see the study Facebook page: Game of Stones Study
- download the study flyer. Game of Stones flyer (PDF, 310kB)