Mobile health intervention to prevent weight gain in young military personnel
Preventing Weight Gain in U.S. Air Force Personnel Using a Novel Mobile Health Intervention
This study is testing a mobile health program to help young military personnel avoid gaining weight by using a smartphone app and a Fitbit to track their health over two years.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 350 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 39 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Antonio, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06110273 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to adapt an evidence-based weight gain prevention intervention specifically for young adult active-duty military personnel using mobile technology. The intervention, called Fit for Duty, will be delivered over a two-year period and focuses on preventing weight gain, which is a significant issue in the military. Participants will use a smartphone app and wear a Fitbit activity tracker to monitor their health and activity levels. The study addresses the urgent need for effective weight management programs in the military, where obesity rates are rising and can impact national security.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are active-duty military personnel aged 18-39 with a BMI between 21-30 who own a smartphone and can commit to the study requirements.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently pregnant, have a history of weight loss surgery, or are participating in other weight loss programs may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could help young military personnel maintain a healthy weight, thereby improving their overall health and readiness for duty.
How similar studies have performed: While few weight gain prevention trials have been conducted in military populations, previous studies with young adults have shown mixed results, indicating that this approach is novel and may address significant gaps in existing research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age 18-39 * body mass index (BMI) of 21-30 kg/m\^2 * own a smartphone with a data and text messaging plan; * Active-Duty military personnel stationed at Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland, Joint Base San Antonio - Ft. Sam Houston, Sheppard Air Force Base or Keesler Air Force Base * Anticipate being at their Station 12 months or more * Willing and able to wear a Fitbit activity tracker daily for the duration of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Currently pregnant, pregnant within the past 6 months, or planning to become pregnant within the next 12 months. * Previous surgical procedure for weight loss in past 5 years or planned weight loss surgery in the next year. * Past diagnosis of or receiving treatment for a clinically diagnosed eating disorder (anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa). * Another member of the household is a participant in this same study * Currently participating in a commercial weight loss program
Where this trial is running
San Antonio, Texas
- Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland — San Antonio, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Deborah F. Tate, PhD — Professor
- Study coordinator: Karen E. Hatley, MPH, RD
- Email: keericks@email.unc.edu
- Phone: 919-966-5853
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.