Digital Weight Loss Intervention for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Risk

(mLIFE Trial)

Overseen by Brie Turner-McGrievy, PhD, MS, RD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of South Carolina

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of the study is to examine long term sustained weight loss digital intervention in a diverse cohort of adults with overweight/obesity. The intervention includes social gaming (using game-like elements in nongame contexts to promote supportive social interactions and openness to positive behavioral influences) to reward behaviors, such as self-monitoring and social support. Investigators will accomplish objectives and test hypotheses by following two specific primary aims: 1. Determine if the intervention plus gaming produces significantly more weight loss at 12 months than the same intervention without gaming among 240 adults with overweight or obesity and ≥3 T2DM risk factors. 2. Examine the differences in social support provision and receipt between groups at 12 months.

Research Team

Brie Turner-McGrievy, PhD, MS, RD

Principal Investigator

University of South Carolina

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-65 with obesity or overweight, having a BMI of 25-49.9 kg/m2 and at least three risk factors for Type 2 diabetes but not diagnosed with it. Participants must own a smartphone, be willing to change their diet and exercise habits, and not be on medications affecting blood glucose or involved in other weight loss programs.

Inclusion Criteria

I am not taking any medications that affect my blood sugar levels.

I am between 18 and 65 years old.

≥3 T2DM risk factors (as defined by the American Diabetes Association)

Exclusion Criteria

I have lost more than 10 pounds in the last 6 months.

I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

I am over 65 years old.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• mLIFE app (self-regulation features) (Behavioural Intervention)
• mLIFE app (social support features) (Behavioural Intervention)
• Podcasts and tips of the day (within app) (Behavioural Intervention)
• standard mLIFE app (social support features) (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests whether an app called mLIFE that includes social gaming features can help people lose more weight over a year compared to the same app without these features. The app provides podcasts, tips, self-regulation tools, and rewards supportive interactions aimed at reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity.

Participant Groups

Group I: Gamified mLIFE app group Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Participants allocated to this group will be provided with elements of social gaming and healthy competition within the mLIFE app.

Group II: standard mLIFE app Active Control 3 Interventions

Participants in this group will receive the same intervention as the experimental group, but some features of the App will not facilitate gaming or competition.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of South Carolina

Lead Sponsor

Trials

233

Recruited

122,000+