Behavioral economics approach to keeping weight off after weight loss
Official title: Optimization of a behavioral economics intervention for weight loss maintenance
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-11344239 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A team at the University of Connecticut is testing a two-arm behavioral economics program to help adults with obesity maintain weight loss and reduce related health risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $789,795 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NR022601-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11344239 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have recently achieved weight loss and are at risk for weight regain.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not currently focused on weight maintenance or without prior weight loss may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a two-arm randomized trial to test strategies grounded in behavioral economics to close the gap between what people intend to do and what they actually do to maintain weight loss. By addressing factors like present bias, boredom, reinforcement, and choice architecture, the intervention aims to support ongoing healthy behaviors after initial weight loss. The study will enroll adults and measure how well the program helps sustain reduced body weight over time compared to a control condition. If successful, it could offer a practical way to lower risks of diabetes and heart disease linked to weight regain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could help people keep weight off longer and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous behavioral economics approaches have shown promise in improving adherence to health behaviors, with ongoing research to optimize maintenance.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leahey, Tricia M — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Leahey, Tricia M
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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.