NIH-funded research R01 grant

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.

More Obesity research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project startMarch 1, 2024
Project endFebruary 28, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$797,949
NIH project number5R01AG084527-03
Project IDNIH-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

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.