SMARTer weight loss management
Funded at Florida State University · NIH-11413557 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study is testing a smartphone app-based weight loss program, with optional coaching and stepped-up components, to help adults with overweight or obesity lose weight in a scalable, resource-smart way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $471,256 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134629-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413557 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21+ with overweight or obesity who are willing to use a smartphone app; those who respond to initial app-based treatment may continue with supported steps.
✕Less likely to help
People who cannot or will not use a smartphone app or who may require alternative medical therapies may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
If you have overweight or obesity, you may use a smartphone app to guide weight loss, with coaching added for some participants. Those who don’t lose enough weight initially could receive extra support such as text reminders or meal replacements. The study compares this adaptive, lighter-touch approach to a traditional, intensive program to see which works better and more efficiently. The goal is to find a plan that works for many people while using fewer resources. It’s led by Florida State University and aims to enroll about 400 adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer an effective, scalable weight loss program that is less burdensome and costly than current standard treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings suggest that adding coaching improves weight loss compared with using the app alone, with stronger results when stepping up treatment for non-responders.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida State University
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spring, Bonnie — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Spring, Bonnie
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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.