Using smartwatches to help treat binge eating behavior
Official title: Technology Assisted Treatment for Binge Eating Behavior
Funded at Habitaware, INC. · NIH-10895597 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a smartwatch app that helps people with binge eating disorder by tracking their eating habits and offering helpful tips to get back on track after a binge, making it easier to stick to healthier eating.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Habitaware, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,278 |
| NIH project number | 5R43MH132180-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895597 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who struggle with binge eating disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience binge eating behaviors or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a smartwatch app designed to assist individuals with binge eating disorder. The app utilizes advanced motion sensors and machine learning algorithms to detect eating behaviors and differentiate between binge eating and normal eating patterns. After a binge episode, the app provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies to encourage users to return to healthy eating habits. The goal is to improve treatment effectiveness and reduce relapse rates by offering timely support based on individual eating patterns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel, technology-based intervention that helps patients manage binge eating behaviors more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using technology-assisted interventions for eating disorders, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Habitaware, INC.
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Sameer — Habitaware, INC.
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Sameer
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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.