Monitoring eating behaviors to manage body weight
Official title: Lab and real-world validation of a system for monitoring ingestive behavior
Funded at University of Rhode Island · NIH-11010371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | January 15, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $582,636 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134546-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010371 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are interested in managing their body weight and improving their eating habits.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: Previous research has shown promise in using technology to monitor eating behaviors, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
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.