Monitoring eating behaviors to manage body weight
Lab and real-world validation of a system for monitoring ingestive behavior
This study is testing a handy wrist device that counts your bites and tracks how often you chew to help you manage your weight and eat healthier, all while you go about your daily life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11010371 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to validate a wearable device that monitors ingestive behaviors, such as the number of bites and chewing frequency, to help manage body weight. The device includes a wrist-worn bite counter and a chewing sensor that work together to provide accurate data on eating habits in real-world settings. By understanding how these behaviors influence energy intake and satiety, the research seeks to develop effective strategies for healthier eating. Participants will wear the device during their daily activities to gather data without significant disruption to their routines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are interested in managing their body weight and improving their eating habits.
Not a fit: Patients who are not focused on weight management or who have conditions that severely limit their ability to eat normally may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for managing body weight through better awareness of eating behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using technology to monitor eating behaviors, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Kingston, United States
- University of Rhode Island — Kingston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Melanson, Kathleen J — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Melanson, Kathleen J
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 below.