Weight Management App for People Living with Chronic Illness

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The aims of the project is to examine: 1) the effect of a weight management smartphone application (app) for people living with chronic illnesses on participants’ body weight (primary outcome), Body Mass Index (BMI), activity level, mood and quality of life (secondary outcomes). 2) participants’ appraisal and perceived benefits of the app, and frequency of app use. Project aims: To examine: 1) the effect of a weight management smartphone application (app) for people living with chronic illnesses on participants’ body weight (primary outcome), Body Mass Index (BMI), activity level, mood and quality of life (secondary outcomes). 2) participants’ appraisal and perceived benefits of the app, and frequency of app use. Why is this study needed? Being overweight or obese are major risk factors for many chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and are dramatically on the rise in urban and rural settings. There are weight loss apps available, but few randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of these apps. Few apps adopted an evidence-based and theory-based approach in its development. Method: A pilot RCT of an interactive ‘Weight Management Wellness App’. 76 patients who have a diagnosis of chronic illness with BMI greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2 will be randomly allocated to intervention or control groups. The app is developed based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles. It contains video, text information, podcast, weight tracker, mood tracker, daily activity tracker, daily questionnaires and resources locator. Outcomes measured at baseline, 6-week, 3-months and 6-months, include: body weight, BMI, activity level, mood and quality of life. Benefits and translation: This study generates reliable evidence using a rigorous RCT design to evaluate an app which contains unique feature – adopting principles of CBT in weight management. This study addresses current gap in information quality and lack of theory underpinning current weight management apps in app stores. The app could reach out to people living with chronic illness with weight management issues, and help reduce the weight- associated comorbidities, thus leading to an enhanced quality of life and minimise the long-term burden of chronic diseases on healthcare system.

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