Stop MetSyn

Metabolic syndrome, or MetSyn, is a group of coincidental conditions that together increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. MetSyn is linked to inactivity and obesity. Once the syndrome has developed, it can be limited by changes linked to exercise, diet and other habits. A person's fully developed MetSyn is preceded by various risk factors, which in turn are called pre-MetSyn.

The project aims to create behavioral changes for people with indicators for pre-MetSyn and thereby prevent cardiovascular-related sequelae. The project explores indicators for pre-MetSyn and for behavior change and various tools and methods for changing behavior are examined. With this knowledge, a digital service is developed that will influence user behaviors regarding diet and physical activity to counteract Pre-MetSyn. If the desired effects will be achieved, will further be investigated through a comprehensive study in 3 European countries with a total of 900 participants for around 6 months.

RISE's role in the project is to design and develop parts of the digital service and participate in a large study, through the development of a measurement methodology. In terms of design, RISE has chosen to focus on the social aspects as counteracting factors for pre-MetSyn. There is a vision that the social is a crucial factor for sustainable change for both users and society.

The project is carried out in collaboration with the universities of KU Leuven, Reading and Grenoble and the food chain Colruyt.