Simplifying Diet Tracking in a Digital Weight Loss Intervention

Summary

The purpose of this study is to compare two approaches for tracking dietary intake in a 12-month fully digital weight loss intervention: (1) Simplified approach: track Red Zone Foods (e.g., foods high in calories and low in nutritional value) vs. (2) Detailed approach: track all foods and their corresponding calories. In essence, this is a head-to-head comparison of two tracking approaches; the investigators are evaluating whether weight loss is comparable over 12 months, or whether one approach will have greater weight loss.

The investigators will recruit 328 adults. Broadly, adults with overweight or obesity who live in the United States will be eligible. The weight loss intervention will last 12 months. All participants will be asked to track their dietary intake + body weight + steps daily as well as complete weekly behavioral lessons and action plans to promote healthy eating and physical activity. All study tasks will occur remotely. Assessment of body weight and survey measures will occur at the beginning of the trial ("baseline"), and at 6, 12, and 18 months.

Conditions

• Overweight
• Obesity
• Weight Loss
• Health Behavior
• Lifestyle Intervention

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Simplified Dietary Self-Monitoring

Participants randomized to receive this intervention are instructed to track their Red Zone Foods (i.e., foods high in calories and low in nutritional value) daily via a web-based checklist. Participants receive a daily Red Zone Food goal.

BEHAVIORAL

Detailed Dietary Self-Monitoring

Participants randomized to receive this intervention are instructed to track all foods/drinks and their corresponding calories daily via a mobile app. Participants receive a daily calorie goal.

BEHAVIORAL

Core Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention

All participants receive a 12-month core behavioral weight loss intervention consisting of the following: goal setting; daily self-monitoring of body weight \& steps; weekly behavioral lessons and action plans to promote healthy eating and physical activity; and tailored feedback. The intervention will be delivered remotely via email and/or text message.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Stanford University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Michele L. Patel, PhD · Stanford University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2027-05-01

Primary Completion

2030-04-30

Completion

2030-10-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations