Online game system and method to promote healthy behaviors

摘要

An online game that promotes healthy behavior by engaging computer users and by providing educational information about health and nutrition. User participation is measured in relation to an avatar of a belly that gains and loses weight according to game play. Users are assigned an avatar according to answers to profile questions. Users earn points by correctly answering health and nutrition questions. When a user answers a question correctly, the player can help him- or herself or “sabotage” a friend. Users also have options to help a friend. The game has consequences for incorrect answers. Updates to a leader board and a message board allow users to see how friends are doing. Social networking aspects of the game keep users engaged and entertained, and therefore, more likely to participate. Participation helps users to increase their knowledge of health and nutrition facts and therefore, their knowledge regarding healthy behaviors.