Digital Integrated Behavioral Treatment for Obesity and Depression in adults 65+ and ADRD risk
Official title: digital InteGrated behavioral treatmeNt for comorbid obesITy and deprEssion among racial and ethnic adults age 50 and older (IGNITE)
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11320729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A digital, combined program helps adults 65+ manage depression and obesity at home using a voice coach and online weight-loss videos.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $797,949 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG084527-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11320729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 65 and older with depression and obesity or related metabolic risk who can access digital tools at home.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to digital tools or who do not have comorbid depression and obesity may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a fully digital version of a proven combined approach for depression and obesity in older adults. It builds on a voice-based virtual coach for problem-solving therapy and a video-based weight loss program to address both conditions together. The intervention aims to be scalable and accessible, with at-home delivery via digital tools. If successful, it could improve mood, weight management, and overall brain health in the aging population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience better mood, healthier weight, and reduced risk factors for dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Prior I-CARE work showed feasibility and positive signals; this fully digital version aims to extend those benefits to a broader population.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ma, Jun — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Ma, Jun
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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.