Using personalized messaging to help young adults stick to weight loss behaviors

A micro-randomized trial of JITAI messaging to improve adherence to multiple weight loss behaviors in young adults

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11001095

This study is looking at how personalized messages sent to your phone can help young adults aged 18-35 stick to their weight loss goals by encouraging healthy habits like exercising and eating better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11001095 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how personalized, adaptive messaging can improve adherence to weight loss behaviors among young adults aged 18-35. By utilizing mobile technology and just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAIs), the study aims to provide timely support that encourages individuals to engage in healthy behaviors like monitoring their weight, increasing physical activity, and improving their diet. Participants will receive tailored feedback based on their real-time health data, which could enhance their chances of achieving significant weight loss. The study seeks to identify the most effective messaging strategies for promoting these behaviors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 18-35 who are looking to lose weight and improve their health behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who are not within the age range of 18-35 or those who are not interested in weight loss may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective weight loss interventions that help young adults achieve and maintain a healthier weight.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise with mobile health interventions, but this specific approach using JITAIs for multiple weight-related behaviors is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.