Using the EatWellLog App to Help Older Adults Manage Sarcopenic Obesity

Effects of the EatWelLog App on Enhancing Daily Diet Management for Community-dwelling Older Adults With Sarcopenic Obesity: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

This study tests if the EatWellLog App can help older adults with sarcopenic obesity improve their health by guiding them on diet and exercise.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 65 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Hong Kong)
• Trial ID: NCT06360432 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project evaluates the effectiveness of the EatWellLog App in helping older adults with sarcopenic obesity improve their health outcomes. The app focuses on dietary modifications and exercise training to enhance muscle mass while reducing body fat. Participants will be assessed on various criteria, including grip strength, muscle mass, and overall physical performance, as well as their nutritional self-efficacy and adherence to diet and exercise regimens. The study aims to empower older adults to manage their condition more effectively through improved self-management skills.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older who meet specific criteria for sarcopenic obesity.

Not a fit: Patients with severe diseases affecting digestion or food consumption may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the health and quality of life for older adults suffering from sarcopenic obesity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar interventions combining exercise and dietary modifications for sarcopenic obesity, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 65 or above, and living in the community;
* Having SO according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) and the World Health Organization (WHO)'s obesity criteria for Asians:

  1. Early-stage sarcopenia indicated by fulfilment of one of the following criteria; handgrip strength \<28 kg (men) and \<18 kg (women); appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM)/ height2 \<7 kg/m2 (men) and \<5.7 kg/m2 (women), or SPPB score of \<9; Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score of \<9,
  2. Obesity indicated by BMI ≥25 kg/m2, waist circumference ≥90 cm (men) and ≥80 cm (women), or body fat \>30%;
* Own a smartphone with internet access; and
* Proficiency in communicating, reading, and writing in Chinese, and without major hearing and vision impairments to ensure that comprehension of our instructions.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with diseases impacting digestion or food consumption, including severe cardiac/ pulmonary/ renal diseases, diabetes, cancer, or autoimmune disorders;
* Those on medications affecting eating habits, digestion, or metabolism, such as weight loss drugs;
* Persons with alcohol use disorder as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), potentially hindering dietary behaviour changes;
* Those with medical implants like pacemakers that could be disrupted by the bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA's) low-level electrical currents.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Justina Liu, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Study coordinator: Justina Liu, PhD

Conditions: Sarcopenic Obesity, m-health, dietary intervention, exercise, behaviour change