Using technology to help people maintain weight loss
Official title: Control Systems Engineering to Address the Problem of Weight Loss Maintenance: A System Identification Experiment to Model Behavioral & Psychosocial Factors Measured by Ecological Momentary Assessment
Funded at Miriam Hospital · NIH-10923932 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help people keep off the weight they've lost by understanding the daily habits and feelings that might lead them to regain it, using a handy mobile tool to give personalized support when they need it most.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miriam Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $598,366 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137423-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923932 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have previously lost weight and are struggling to maintain that weight loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced significant weight loss or those who are not motivated to change their weight-related behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to help individuals maintain weight loss by identifying behavioral and psychosocial factors that contribute to weight regain. It employs a method called Ecological Momentary Assessment to monitor patients' daily behaviors and triggers that may lead to lapses in their weight maintenance efforts. By analyzing this data, the research aims to develop a personalized intervention that can provide timely support to patients when they are at risk of regaining weight. The approach combines mobile technology and behavioral science to create a responsive system that adapts to individual needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective strategies for long-term weight loss maintenance, reducing the risk of obesity-related health issues.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using technology and behavioral interventions for weight management, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Miriam Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, John Graham — Miriam Hospital
- Study coordinator: Thomas, John Graham
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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.