Optimizing a Digital Program to Cut Sugary Drink and Added-Sugar Intake in Rural Appalachia
Official title: Optimizing iSIPsmarter: A Factorial Trial to Enhance Engagement and Effectiveness on Sugary Beverages and Weight among rural Appalachian adults
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11448002 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A fully digital, self-guided program helps adults in rural Appalachia reduce sugary drinks and foods high in added sugar to support healthier weight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 22, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $818,012 |
| NIH project number | 2R01MD015033-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448002 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older in rural Appalachian regions who are willing to use a digital, self-guided program and engage with text messages and online tools.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who prefer in-person support, have no access to mobile/texting, or are unable to engage with digital tools may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests how to make iSIPsmarter more engaging and effective for adults 21+ in rural areas. It uses a factorial design to test different two-way text messaging and engagement strategies within a self-guided program that includes modules, daily SMS tracking, and weight monitoring. The aim is to keep people participating over the long term and improve their intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and added sugars without needing heavy staff support.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lead to sustained reductions in sugary beverage and added-sugar intake, potentially improving weight and chronic disease risk in underserved rural communities.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work showed short-term improvements; this study builds on that by optimizing engagement for long-term success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zoellner, Jamie — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Zoellner, Jamie
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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.