Mobile applications, physical activity, and health promotion
We are pleased to share with you the publication of a scientific article (authored by us), whose empirical analysis is motivated by physical inactivity and overweight and obesity as significant risk factors for global mortality. The article can be accessed here: link . In this study, we explore the role of mobile applications in promoting physical activity, highlighting their relevance as a public health tool. The results indicate that the use of these applications is associated with the adoption of healthy habits, mainly due to the possibility of self-assessment, continuous monitoring, and personalized goal setting. Users' motivation seems to be more related to tracking their own performance rather than traditional loyalty strategies, although gamification can play a relevant role when properly balanced. The article also presents policy implications to maximize the benefits of these tools. Governments can encourage the development and adoption of applications aligned with ...