Simplifying Dietary Self-Monitoring in a Digital Weight Loss Intervention
Stanford University
Summary
The purpose of this study is to compare two approaches for tracking dietary intake in a 12-month fully digital weight loss intervention: (1) Simplified approach: track Red Zone Foods (e.g., foods high in calories and low in nutritional value) vs. (2) Detailed approach: track all foods and their corresponding calories. In essence, this is a head-to-head comparison of two tracking approaches; the investigators are evaluating whether weight loss is comparable over 12 months, or whether one approach will have greater weight loss. The investigators will recruit 328 adults. Broadly, adults with overweight or obesity who live in the United States will be eligible. The weight loss intervention will last 12 months. All participants will be asked to track their dietary intake + body weight + steps daily as well as complete weekly behavioral lessons and action plans to promote healthy eating and physical activity. All study tasks will occur remotely. Assessment of body weight and survey measures will occur at the beginning of the trial ("baseline"), and at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * adults (ages 18+ years) * body mass index (BMI) 25.0 to 45.0 kg/m\^2 * smartphone ownership * willing to install a mobile app on personal smartphone * access to a personal email account * English or Spanish language proficiency * interest in losing weight through behavioral strategies * living in the United States * willing to be randomized Exclusion Criteria: * concurrent enrollment in another weight management intervention * loss of ≥5% weight in the past 6 months * prior or planned bariatric surgery during the trial period * current or planned pregnancy during the t…