Using smartwatches to monitor eating habits and calorie intake
Official title: Validating Sensor-based Approaches for Monitoring Eating Behavior and Energy Intake by Accounting for Real-World Factors that Impact Accuracy and Acceptability
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11049014 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new smartwatch that can help you keep track of what you eat by noticing your hand movements while you eat, making it easier to manage your weight and stay healthy in your daily life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $606,133 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135679-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049014 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are interested in monitoring their eating behaviors and managing their weight.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in using technology for health monitoring or those with severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a smartwatch-based method to monitor eating behaviors and energy intake in real-world settings. By analyzing wrist movements associated with eating gestures, the study aims to provide a more accurate and less burdensome way for individuals to track their food consumption. The approach involves advanced modeling to estimate calorie intake based on the number of bites and drinks during meals. The goal is to validate this innovative method to ensure it can be effectively used in everyday life to help manage weight and prevent chronic diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a reliable tool to better understand and manage their eating habits, potentially reducing the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using wearable technology for health monitoring, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoover, Adam — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Hoover, Adam
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.