Using a digital platform to help pregnant women manage weight gain
Official title: Efficacy of a Novel Digital Platform to Scale-Up a Personalized Prenatal Weight Gain Intervention Using Control Systems Methodology
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11014352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful online program called the Healthy Mom Zone, which is designed for pregnant women who are overweight or obese, to support them in managing their weight gain during pregnancy for better health for both mom and baby.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $650,802 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134863-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014352 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who are overweight or obese and are experiencing high gestational weight gain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or who have a normal weight may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a digital intervention called the Healthy Mom Zone (HMZ) designed for pregnant women who are overweight or obese and at risk of excessive weight gain during pregnancy. The program provides personalized support through remote delivery, adapting the level of intervention based on individual needs and weight gain goals. By utilizing control systems methodology, the HMZ aims to help women regulate their gestational weight gain effectively, with a focus on improving maternal and infant health outcomes. The study includes randomization into intervention and control groups to assess the feasibility and impact of this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for both mothers and infants by effectively managing weight gain during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar digital interventions for weight management, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Downs, Danielle Symons — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Downs, Danielle Symons
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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.