A weight‑loss program in primary care using free online tools
Official title: A hybrid effectiveness/ implementation trial using online tools to increase weight loss among primary care patients
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11382087 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A primary care–based program helps adults use free online tools and a commercial app to set goals, monitor meals and activity, and connect with online weight‑loss communities to lose weight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $630,661 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137092-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382087 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with obesity or overweight who are receiving primary care and are willing to use online tools for weight management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in using online tools or who do not have reliable access to internet may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project tests a practical approach where patients in primary care are guided to use free online weight‑loss tools, including a popular platform for goal setting and self‑monitoring and supportive online communities. Through a kickoff session with short videos and personalized feedback, patients start engaging with the tools before their PCP visit, then receive 52 weeks of tailored messages to sustain effort. The study focuses on real patients in a typical clinic setting and aims to see if this approach improves weight loss outcomes compared with usual care. It leverages existing online resources to make weight management accessible and scalable in everyday healthcare. The research team at the University of Florida will measure engagement, adherence, and weight outcomes over the year.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could lose more weight by easily accessing free online tools and receiving ongoing support through their primary care team.
How similar studies have gone: Similar programs using online tools and primary care linkages have shown promise in improving engagement and weight management, but results vary by population and implementation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jake-Schoffman, Danielle Erin — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Jake-Schoffman, Danielle Erin
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.