Different weekly feedback messages to support weight loss

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This micro-randomized factorial trial will randomize participants each week to receive one of two types of clinician-written feedback messages during a behavioral weight management program. All participants attend a single "Weight Loss 101" session to learn core behavioral skills and how to use study-provided tools to track diet, activity, and weight. Weekly messages vary by tone and whether they include specific suggestions for changes, and researchers will link those messages to smartphone-collected self-monitoring and weight outcomes. The design aims to identify which message components, and for whom or in which contexts, produce better engagement and weight loss.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age greater than or equal to 18 years
* BMI greater than or equal to 25.0 kg/m2
* Weight less than or equal to 175 kg (due to scale limit)
* Own a smartphone compatible with Fitbit (e.g., an Apple iPhone running iOS 16.4 or higher or Android smartphone running Android 11 or higher) with a cellular and data plan

Exclusion Criteria:

* Weight greater than 175 kg (due to a weight limit of the study-provided scale)
* Smartphone device owned deemed incompatible with the Fitbit App
* History of bariatric surgery or plans to obtain bariatric surgery during the study period
* Current use of weight loss medications, or use of weight loss medications in the 6 months prior to initial pre-screening
* Currently participating in a weight-loss program
* Weight loss of greater than or equal to 10 lbs in the 6 months prior to initial pre-screening
* Physical limitations that prevent walking at a brisk pace for at least 10 minutes without stopping
* Use of a pacemaker or other implanted medical device
* Currently pregnant
* Currently breastfeeding
* Less than 1-year post-partum
* Plans to become pregnant within the study period
* Lack of written confirmation that the potential participant has discussed study participation with their physician if they have been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, or has have a history of coronary heart disease
* One or more study participants living in the household (enrollment limited to one participant per household)
* Medical conditions that contraindicate weight loss or prevent completion of the study (e.g., current diagnosis of cancer or terminal illness, dementia, etc.)
* Recent (in the past 6 months) changes in medications that affect weight
* Self-reported eating disorder within past 5 years
* Unable to complete the 17-week study (due to plans to relocate during the study period, etc.)
* Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent
* Unable to read English at the 5th grade level
* Unwilling to accept random assignment
* Unable or unwilling to download the study smartphone application, wear the physical activity monitor, or use the study e-scale
* Failure to complete baseline assessment measures
* Failure to complete at least 4 out of 6 days of self-monitoring dietary and weight self-monitoring during the behavioral run-in period
* Any other condition(s) which, in the opinion of the Principal Investigator, would adversely affect participation in the study

Where it's running

• University of Virginia
  Charlottesville, Virginia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Becca Krukowski, Ph.D. — University of Virginia
• Study coordinator: Maddie Glover, B.S.
• Email: ktg7zr@virginia.edu
• Phone: 4342432387

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.