Using digital tools to share weight loss progress with others for better results
Sharing Digital Self-Monitoring Data with Others to Enhance Long-Term Weight Loss: A Randomized Trial using a Factorial Design
This study is looking at how sharing your weight, exercise, and eating habits with others can help adults lose weight and keep it off over two years, with support from coaches and friends along the way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10866488 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how sharing digital self-monitoring data, such as weight, physical activity, and dietary intake, with others can enhance long-term weight loss for adults. Participants will use various digital tools to track their progress and will engage in a structured 24-month weight loss program. The program includes both in-person and remote support, with regular meetings and communication with coaches, group members, and friends or family. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of different types of data sharing partnerships in promoting accountability and support.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are overweight or obese and seeking to lose weight through lifestyle modifications.
Not a fit: Patients who are not overweight or obese or those who are not interested in using digital tools for self-monitoring may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved long-term weight loss outcomes for individuals by leveraging social support and accountability through digital data sharing.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of digital self-monitoring is gaining traction, this specific approach of systematic data sharing has not been rigorously tested in previous studies.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butryn, Meghan — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Butryn, Meghan
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.