Evaluating the Usability of Boora: An AI Platform for Obesity Care

In recent years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has become a significant public health concern, impacting metabolic health and increasing the risk of chronic diseases. Digital health platforms, particularly those leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), present innovative solutions for managing these conditions. The Boora platform, designed for longitudinal care of overweight and obesity, was evaluated for its usability and acceptability among users and health professionals in Brazil, providing insights that could enhance metabolic health interventions. The study involved 15 adults with a BMI of at least 25 kg/m² and eight primary care professionals who interacted with the Boora platform. Users reported a mean System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 76.5, while professionals scored slightly higher at 77.5, both exceeding the normative average of 68. Key themes emerged from qualitative analysis, revealing that users appreciated the platform's accessible interface and visible progress tracking, but they also faced challenges such as daily logging burdens and issues related to digital literacy. Health professionals valued the potential for proactive follow-up but expressed the need for training and better integration with existing health records. The findings suggest that while Boora is perceived as usable and acceptable, its success hinges on addressing barriers to engagement and ensuring that the platform is user-friendly for all demographics. Users' anticipated disengagement was a concern for professionals, indicating a need for features that promote sustained interaction. Furthermore, the AI assistant's role was seen as ambiguous, suggesting that clearer guidance and support might enhance user experience. For individuals on their health journey, the insights from this study highlight the importance of choosing digital health tools that offer both usability and support. Engaging with platforms like Boora can facilitate better tracking of weight and health metrics, but users should be aware of potential challenges, such as the need for consistent logging and the importance of understanding the technology. This aligns with metabolic health goals, particularly in managing weight and preventing obesity-related complications. In terms of biomarkers, while the study did not directly measure metabolic indicators, the implications of using such a platform could relate to tracking metrics like fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and body mass index (BMI). These biomarkers are critical in assessing metabolic health and can guide users in making informed decisions about their lifestyle and health interventions. Overall, the key takeaway is that while AI-assisted platforms like Boora show promise, their effectiveness will depend on user engagement and the integration of supportive features that enhance usability and accessibility.