Community health coach plus AI app program to help people with metabolic syndrome manage diet and heart risk
Effectiveness and Implementation of a Community-based Health Coach-led Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Digital Self-Regulation Program for Individuals With Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)
This program will test whether a community health coach working with an AI-powered app can help adults with metabolic syndrome improve their eating habits, self-control, and cardiovascular risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 316 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National University Health System, Singapore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Trial ID | NCT07410325 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
LIGHTER-MetS is a community-based, health coach–led program that pairs in-person coaching with the eTRIP AI-powered app to support dietary self-regulation, physical activity, and emotion regulation. The intervention is delivered through grassroots community channels and uses app prompts, tracking, and audio-recorded coaching sessions to reinforce behavior change. Participants are adults aged 21–65 with central obesity and at least two metabolic syndrome criteria, recruited at the National University of Singapore. Outcomes include changes in dietary self-regulation measures and cardiovascular risk markers over the intervention period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 21–65 with central obesity and two or more metabolic syndrome criteria who own a smartphone and are not enrolled in another structured lifestyle program.
Not a fit: People who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, have recent or planned metabolic surgery, do not speak English, or do not own a smartphone are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help people with metabolic syndrome lose weight, improve eating habits, and lower their cardiovascular risk without intensive clinic-based care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lifestyle and digital coaching programs have produced modest improvements in weight and metabolic risk factors, while AI-supported, community-delivered combinations are newer and show promising early results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. are between 21 to 65 years of age; 2. have a waist circumference ≥90 cm in men and ≥80 cm in women; 3. have 2 or more of the following to be classified as having metabolic syndrome: * triglyceride level of ≥1.7 mmol/L or on specific treatment for this lipid abnormality; * high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol \<1.03 mmol/L in men, and \<1.29 mmol/L in women, or on specific treatment for this lipid abnormality; * blood pressure of ≥130/85 mmHg or on treatment of previously diagnosed hypertension; * fasting blood glucose level of ≥ 5.6 mmol/L or previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes; 4. are not receiving other structured lifestyle modification programs; 5. consent to audio-recording; 6. English speaking and literate. Exclusion Criteria: 1. underwent or are scheduled for metabolic surgery within 1 year; 2. are pregnant or planning for pregnancy at the time of recruitment; 3. are unable to speak English; 4. do not own a smartphone; and 5. are unable to provide informed consent.
Where this trial is running
Singapore
- National University of Singapore — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jocelyn Chew
- Email: dbi-lab@nus.edu.sg
- Phone: +6565168687
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.