Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this micro-randomized trial is to evaluate the effects of 7 types of intervention messages targeting specific behavior change techniques (i.e., BCT messages) delivered in "just-in-time" (JIT) moments on daily achievement of weight-related behavioral goals among n=201 young adults with overweight and obesity, participating in a digital, mobile comprehensive lifestyle intervention. "Just-in-time adaptive interventions" (JITAIs) are an alternative to the "one size fits all" approach of mobile intervention development that can provide tailored, real-time messaging and support for young adults.
Research Team
CG
Carmina G. Valle, PhD, MPH
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for young adults with a BMI of 25-45 who speak English and have a smartphone. They should be physically inactive, not doing more than 210 minutes of exercise per week. People can't join if they're in another similar study, have certain mental health issues, are using appetite-affecting drugs (except stable SSRIs), or have serious health conditions that affect weight or physical activity.Inclusion Criteria
Own a smartphone with a data and text messaging plan
Body mass index (BMI) of 25 - 45 kg/m^2 at baseline
English-speaking, reading, and writing
Exclusion Criteria
My thyroid condition is stable, with no medication changes in the last 6 months.
Report a heart condition, chest pain during periods of activity or rest, or loss of consciousness on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q; items 1-4)
Reside outside of the United States
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Treatment Details
Interventions
- Behavior Change Technique 1 Message (Action Planning) (Behavioural Intervention)
- Behavior Change Technique 2 Message (Discrepancy between Current Behavior and Goal) (Behavioural Intervention)
- Behavior Change Technique 3 Message (Feedback on Outcome of Behavior) (Behavioural Intervention)
- Behavior Change Technique 4 Message (Social Support) (Behavioural Intervention)
- Behavior Change Technique 5 Message (Social Comparison) (Behavioural Intervention)
- Behavior Change Technique 6 Message (Social Reward) (Behavioural Intervention)
- Behavior Change Technique 7 Message (Focus on Past Success) (Behavioural Intervention)
- Core Behavioral Weight Loss (BWL) Intervention (Behavioural Intervention)
Trial OverviewThe trial tests the effectiveness of personalized digital messages designed to help with weight loss. These messages use different behavior change techniques and are sent at optimal times to encourage daily achievement of weight-related goals during a comprehensive lifestyle intervention program.
Participant Groups
8Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Core Behavioral Weight Loss (BWL) InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Behavioral weight loss core intervention, includes activity tracker, wireless scale, daily self-weighing, and smartphone app with weekly behavioral lessons, food tracking log, weekly tailored feedback summary, and daily weight-related behavioral goals. Core intervention component is combined with each of the 7 intervention messages to be tested repeatedly over time.
Group II: Core BWL Intervention + BCT 7 Message (Focus on Past Success)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Core BWL Intervention + Message testing the Behavior Change Technique "Focus on Past Success"
Group III: Core BWL Intervention + BCT 6 Message (Social Reward)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Core BWL Intervention + Message testing the Behavior Change Technique "Social Reward"
Group IV: Core BWL Intervention + BCT 5 Message (Social Comparison)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Core BWL Intervention + Message testing the Behavior Change Technique "Social Comparison"
Group V: Core BWL Intervention + BCT 4 Message (Social Support)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Core BWL Intervention + Message testing the Behavior Change Technique "Social Support"
Group VI: Core BWL Intervention + BCT 3 Message (Feedback on Outcome of Behavior)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Core BWL Intervention + Message testing the Behavior Change Technique "Feedback on Outcome of Behavior"
Group VII: Core BWL Intervention + BCT 2 Message (Discrepancy)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Core BWL Intervention + Message testing the Behavior Change Technique "Discrepancy Between Current Behavior and Goal"
Group VIII: Core BWL Intervention + BCT 1 Message (Action Planning)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Core BWL Intervention + Message testing the Behavior Change Technique "Action Planning"
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Lead Sponsor
Trials
1,588
Recruited
4,364,000+
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborator
Trials
3,987
Recruited
47,860,000+