Weight-loss maintenance: using real-time data to tailor behavioral support
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-11393706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A weight-management program uses real-time prompts and personalized support to help adults keep weight off after initial loss.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $605,528 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137423-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393706 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with obesity who have recently achieved initial weight loss.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not experiencing weight loss maintenance challenges or those unable to engage with mobile technology may receive limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to predict when someone with obesity is at risk of regaining weight and to deliver timely behavioral interventions through mobile technology. It will collect moment-to-moment information about mood, appetite, triggers, and activities, then apply a smart model to trigger just-in-time support. The approach builds on existing mobile analytics and behavioral techniques to maintain healthier habits over time. Participants will contribute data via an Ecological Momentary Assessment platform and may receive automated interventions as needed.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help people maintain weight loss longer and reduce related health risks.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that real-time monitoring and tailored interventions can support behavior change, though this specific just-in-time adaptive approach is being tested.
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.