Illustration: Ikonaut

5 — … and for other problems

The app could in future also be used to treat drug addiction and combat physical inactivity. Other research groups are being permitted to use it for behavioural studies at cost price.

4 — For health insurers and clinics

The research team was able to confirm the efficacy of the app in two clinical studies. Then they founded the spin-off Bewe. Software developers are now improving the gaming experience. A health insurance company is their first customer and is hoping for a preventive effect. Weight-loss clinics are also on the spin-off’s radar.

3 — Playing retrains the brain

Our avoidance system (A) restrains us by inhibiting our motor centre (M). But this creates a conflict (lightning) with our reward system (R) that has to be resolved in the conflict resolution region (C) that is responsible for the task. As a result, the brain is retrained.

2 — Stopping chocolate

Researchers at the University of Fribourg have developed a game app that can reduce our uncontrollable craving for food. Just like in the classic computer game Breakout, users throw objects at a brick wall to demolish it. Here, if a healthy apple appears on screen, you have to throw it as quickly as possible. But if a chocolate bar appears, players may not react.

1 — A reward system for sweet things

The human brain is designed to seek out concentrated, energy-rich food. When we see a chocolate bar, it stimulates our reward system (R), triggering cravings. This in turn activates our motor centre (M), causing us to move and reach for the bar. But when there’s more than enough food available, we consume too much and develop health problems.