Comparing remote weight loss programs and understanding who benefits most
Official title: Comparison of behaviorally-based remote approaches to optimize weight loss and identification of factors which characterize treatment response
Funded at Miriam Hospital · NIH-11158963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at different online and video-based programs to help adults lose weight and discover which approaches work best for different people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miriam Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $593,559 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137759-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11158963 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who are interested in losing weight through remote behavioral programs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who prefer in-person weight loss programs or those not seeking behavioral interventions may not find direct benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This project compares two main ways to help people lose weight remotely: a fully automated online program and a group-based video conference program. We also want to see if adding personal coaching improves results for either of these approaches. The goal is to understand which remote weight loss method works best for different individuals, helping to offer more personalized recommendations. Researchers will also develop tools to guide patients toward the most suitable remote weight loss program for them.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help more people find the most effective remote weight loss program tailored to their needs, making these programs more accessible and successful.
How similar studies have gone: While remote weight loss interventions are increasingly used, direct comparisons of these specific approaches and the development of algorithms for personalized recommendations are less common.
Where this research is happening
-
Miriam Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Unick, Jessica L — Miriam Hospital
- Study coordinator: Unick, Jessica L
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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.