Creating personalized incentives for healthier eating to reduce heart disease risk
Official title: Development of personalized healthy food incentives to improve diet and cardiovascular risk
Funded at University of Rhode Island · NIH-11081010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program that helps adults at risk for heart problems make healthier grocery choices by giving them personalized tips and rewards for buying better foods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $171,951 |
| NIH project number | 5K01HL165104-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity or hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cardiovascular risk factors or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve dietary habits and cardiovascular health by developing a personalized incentive program that encourages healthier grocery purchases. Using a novel automated platform called Smart Cart 2.0, the study will provide tailored recommendations based on individual dietary needs and preferences. The approach combines insights from behavioral economics and big data to understand food choices and promote better eating habits among adults at risk for cardiovascular issues. Participants will engage with the platform to receive incentives that motivate them to buy healthier foods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary habits and reduced cardiovascular risk for participants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar personalized incentive approaches in improving dietary choices, indicating potential for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vadiveloo, Maya — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Vadiveloo, Maya
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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.