Obesity
Conditions
Brief summary
Smartphones have the capability to monitor health-related behaviors (exercise, diet, etc.) and provide social support which has the potential to play a powerful role in health promotion. The objective of this study is to refine and pilot test the Social POD app for personalized health monitoring and interaction founded on a combination of social networks, recommender systems, motivational research, and health behavior theory. The aim of our proposed project is to conduct a 3-month pilot RCT among overweight and obese adults (N=150) comparing a theory-based podcast (TBP) plus self-monitoring using a commercially-available calorie and weight tracking app (current most popular diet self-monitoring method) versus TBP plus self-monitoring and social support/incentive points for participating with the Social POD app (TBP+Social POD).
Detailed description
Objectives and Significance. Smartphones have the capability to monitor health-related behaviors (exercise, diet, etc.) and provide social support which has the potential to play a powerful role in health promotion. The objective of this study is to refine and pilot test the Social POD app for personalized health monitoring and interaction founded on a combination of social networks, recommender systems, motivational research, and health behavior theory. Currently, we are recruiting for usability testing among obese and overweight (BMI \>25 kg/m2) adults (n=20) with our basic Social POD app. Our proposed project, which seeks to supplement our current line of research investigating mHealth interventions for overweight and obese adults, has two aims: Aim 1: Refine our intelligent social agent mobile app (Social POD) based on results from our usability testing and develop new components (i.e., incentive system) for use in a 3-month randomized controlled pilot trial (RCT). Aim 2: Conduct a 3-month pilot RCT among overweight and obese adults (N=150) comparing a theory-based podcast (TBP) plus self-monitoring using a commercially-available calorie and weight tracking app (current most popular diet self-monitoring method)9 versus TBP plus self-monitoring and social support/incentive points for participating with the Social POD app (TBP+Social POD). Once the final intervention is developed through Aim 1 including the incentive system, we will recruit 150 overweight adult Android smartphone owners (BMI 25-49.9 kg/m2; age 18-65; \>30% AA) to participate in a 3-month pilot of our enhanced intervention. Detecting differences in weight among the two groups is our primary research goal.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALPodcast + mobile diet app
Use of a mobile app to track behaviors related to weight loss as well as receive study-related weight loss information via podcast.
BEHAVIORALPodcast + theory-based mobile diet app
Use of a theory-based mobile app to track behaviors related to weight loss as well as receive study-related weight loss information via podcast.
Sponsors
University of South Carolina
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Overweight or obese (Body Mass Index between 25 and 49.9 kg/m2) * Own and Android phone or tablet
Exclusion criteria
* are currently pregnant * are younger than 18 or older than 65 years of age * are unable to attend 3 meetings at the University of South Carolina * don't have access to the Internet and a computer * don't have access to a scale for self-monitoring weight * aren't willing to be randomized to one of the two groups * have a psychiatric disease, drug or alcohol dependency, or uncontrolled thyroid condition * have a major health condition, such as heart conditions, diabetes, and past incidence of stroke * have an eating disorder * currently participating in a weight loss program or taking weight loss medications
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Weight loss | 12 weeks |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed