Sensor-based Just-in Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs) Targeting Eating Behavior

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a sensor device called an Automatic Ingestion Monitor (AIM) that is worn on eyeglasses can be used with a smartphone to change eating behavior. Participants will wear the device for one week of no-intervention observation. They will then test behavioral interventions focused on eating for two weeks. The researchers hypothesize that messages sent to a smartphone that are based on information from the AIM can reduce the amount of food that is eaten and slow eating.

Condition

  • Overweight and Obesity

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Between 18 Years and 65 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • Body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 45 kg/m-squared - Weight stable within 5% in the past 6 months - Self-reports basic familiarity with use of a smartphone

Exclusion Criteria

  • Diagnosed diabetes (type 1 and 2) - Any poorly controlled medical condition that could affect weight and/or eating behavior (e.g., hypothyroidism) - Medical conditions or use of medications or diets/supplements known to affect energy regulation or appetite - Difficulty chewing or swallowing - Diagnosed eating disorder - Night or shift work - Current participation in a weight loss program - History of bariatric surgery - Current pregnancy or lactation within the past 1 year, or planning a pregnancy during the study participation period - Consuming a medically-prescribed or unusual diet (e.g., macrobiotic) - Food allergies or sensitivities, or other conditions which result in avoidance of a wide range of foods (e.g. celiac disease, tree nut allergy) - Reported recreational drug use - Report of conditions that would significantly interfere with an ability to follow the protocol including terminal illness, substance abuse, or other significant uncontrolled psychiatric problem

Study Design

Phase
Phase 2
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
N/A
Intervention Model
Single Group Assignment
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Just-in-time Adaptive Intervention 		A sensor device called an Automatic Ingestion Monitor (AIM) will be worn on eyeglasses to monitor eating. Information from the device will be used to send messages to a smartphone to change eating behavior.
  • Behavioral: Eat Less Intervention
    A sensor worn on eyeglasses monitors eating and provides messages to a smartphone when eating occurs to prompt small reductions in the amount of food eaten.
  • Behavioral: Eat Slower Intervention
    A sensor worn on eyeglasses monitors eating and provides messages to a smartphone when eating occurs to prompt small reductions in the rate of eating.

Recruiting Locations

Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
Contact:
Megan McCrory, PhD
617-353-4234
mccrorylabbu@gmail.com

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
The Miriam Hospital

Study Contact

Olly Richards, BSc
(401) 606-4809
Olly.Richards@Lifespan.org