Feasibility Trial of a Problem-Solving Weight Loss Mobile Application



Status:Completed
Conditions:Obesity Weight Loss
Therapuetic Areas:Endocrinology
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - Any
Updated:9/30/2018
Start Date:December 2015
End Date:January 2017

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The purpose of this research was to develop and test the feasibility of Habit, a weight loss
mobile application that was designed to coach patients through their weight loss challenges.
In a pilot trial in 43 obese participants, investigators tested the feasibility of the Smart
Coach mobile application when paired with a shortened online-delivered (8-week) behavioral
weight loss intervention. Feasibility outcomes included frequency and duration of usage of
the mobile app and each feature, recruitment, and retention. Post-intervention focus groups
discussed the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. The investigators also
performed exploratory analyses comparing conditions on problem solving skills and weight loss
at 8 and 16 weeks, which will inform a subsequent randomized controlled efficacy trial.

The investigators developed and tested the feasibility of Habit, a weight loss mobile app
that includes common features such as self-monitoring, goal setting, and a social network,
but even more importantly, an avatar-facilitated, idiographic problem solving feature that
processes information intelligently to help patients identify solutions to their weight loss
problems. In a pilot trial in 43 obese participants, investigators tested the feasibility of
the Habit mobile application when paired with a shortened (8 week) behavioral weight loss
intervention. Feasibility outcomes included frequency and duration of usage of the mobile app
and each feature, recruitment, and retention. The investigators also performed analyses on
problem solving skills and weight loss at 8 and 16 weeks, which will inform a subsequent
randomized controlled efficacy trial. Data will support an efficacy trial of a Habit-assisted
brief behavioral weight loss intervention relative to a brief behavioral weight loss
intervention alone with 1 year follow-up. The investigators overarching goal is to develop
mobile technology that reduces the intensity of lifestyle interventions as far as possible
while preserving weight loss outcomes, to ultimately broaden reach.

Inclusion: Participants must 1) have a BMI between 30 and 45, 2) currently uses a
smartphone with Android software, 3) have connectivity to the internet at home and work, 4)
have PCP written clearance, and 5) age 18 or older.

Exclusion:

1. Ages <18

2. BMI <30 and >45

3. Does not currently use a smart phone with Android software version 4.4 or later

4. Does not use a smartphone supported by the app (will assess model and type of phone
for each participant)

5. Does not have connectivity to the internet at home and work; or wifi access at home

6. Does not use smart phone regularly throughout the day

7. Has not used Android smartphone for at least a year

8. Has not used a weight loss mobile app in the last 6 months

9. Does not have a Facebook account, uses it infrequently, or does not actively engage on
Facebook

10. Does not have a gmail account or is unwilling to create one

11. Does not have PCP written clearance

12. Bipolar disorder, substance abuse, psychosis, bulimia, or severe depression

13. Pregnant or lactating

14. Had bariatric surgery

15. Medication affecting weight

16. Adults unwilling to provide consent

17. Prisoners

18. Unable to read or understand English

19. Has type 1 or 2 diabetes

20. Have concerns about being audiotaped

21. Unable to walk unaided

22. Has any medical condition that precludes lifestyle changes
We found this trial at
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Storrs, Connecticut 06269
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Storrs, CT
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