MyHealthPath Tools for Obesity

Overseen By Megan A McVay, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Florida

Must not be taking: Weight loss medications

Disqualifiers: Cancer, Cardiovascular event, Severe depression, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to evaluate how two tools, MyHealthPath Guide and MyHealthPath Tool, assist individuals in starting and maintaining a weight loss program. It targets those living with obesity who wish to lose weight. The trial seeks participants with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27-29.9 accompanied by conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Participants must have reliable internet access and be capable of using digital tools. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to innovative research that could influence future weight loss strategies.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are taking doctor-prescribed medication for weight loss, you cannot participate in this trial.

What prior data suggests that the MyHealthPath Tools are safe for use in weight loss interventions?

Research has shown that the MyHealthPath Tools for Obesity treatment offers personalized support to help individuals start and maintain weight loss programs. Although specific safety data is unavailable, the study is labeled "not applicable" in terms of phase, indicating a low-risk behavioral intervention. This suggests minimal risk, as it does not involve drugs or invasive procedures.

For the MyHealthPath Guide, a comparison treatment, specific safety data is also unavailable. However, similar treatments, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight loss, have demonstrated safety over time. These treatments generally help individuals manage their weight with a low risk of harm.

Both treatments aim to support weight loss behavior, indicating they are well-tolerated. The sources provided report no serious side effects. Participants can likely expect a safe experience, as these tools are designed to guide and assist rather than involve direct medical interventions. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the MyHealthPath Tools for obesity because they offer a new approach to managing weight through digital interventions. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on medications or surgical procedures, the MyHealthPath Guide and Tool focus on personalized lifestyle modifications using technology. This digital platform empowers users to take charge of their health by providing tailored guidance and support, potentially leading to more sustainable and effective weight management. With the growing interest in digital health solutions, these tools represent an innovative step forward in obesity care.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for obesity?

Research has shown that the MyHealthPath Tool, available to participants in this trial, can motivate individuals to start a weight loss program. This tool provides personalized feedback based on shared information, enhancing readiness to tackle weight loss. The PATHWEIGH study suggested that such tools can significantly aid in initiating weight loss treatments. Additionally, online health tools, like the MyHealthPath Tool, have proven effective in delivering obesity care to more people while maintaining low costs. Another group in this trial will receive the MyHealthPath Guide intervention, serving as an active comparator. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Megan A McVay, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Florida

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults who want to lose weight, have a BMI of at least 30 or at least 27 with certain health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Participants must have an upcoming doctor's appointment, an email address on file, and internet access. They should weigh less than 375 lbs and be able to speak and read English.

Inclusion Criteria

I weigh 375 lbs or less.

You have a working email address in your electronic health record.

My BMI is 30 or higher, or between 27-29.9 with a related health issue.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a brief, individually tailored intervention to increase initiation of comprehensive behavioral weight loss treatment

6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for weight loss and treatment initiation outcomes

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• MyHealthPath Guide
• MyHealthPath Tool

Trial Overview

The study is testing 'MyHealthPath Tool' and 'MyHealthPath Guide', which are personalized interventions designed to help people start a comprehensive program for weight loss. The goal is to see if these tools can effectively support individuals in initiating lifestyle changes that lead to weight reduction.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: MyHealthPath Tool Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Receive MyHealthPath Tool intervention.

Group II: MyHealthPath Guide Active Control 1 Intervention

Receive MyHealthPath Guide intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Florida

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,428

Recruited

987,000+

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Collaborator

Trials

2,513

Recruited

4,366,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The Obesity Treatment Research Program (OTRP) at Mayo Clinic offers a comprehensive, year-long lifestyle intervention for obesity, combining nutritional changes, physical activity, and cognitive behavioral strategies to promote long-term adherence.

The program aims to identify patient characteristics that may predict treatment outcomes, aligning with national obesity management recommendations and supporting ongoing research initiatives.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Methodology of a multispecialty outpatient Obesity Treatment Research Program. Mikhail, DS., Jensen, TB., Wade, TW., et al.[2020]

A comprehensive review of 497 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 100,000 adults with overweight or obesity highlighted that most self-management interventions focused on clinical outcomes and behavior adherence, but less on empowerment, quality of life, and patient satisfaction.

The most common techniques used in these interventions were information sharing, goal setting, and self-monitoring, often delivered face-to-face, indicating a need for more diverse approaches that include emotional support and remote techniques, especially for vulnerable populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Self-management interventions for adults living with obesity to improve patient-relevant outcomes: An evidence map. Sunol, R., González-González, AI., Valli, C., et al.[2023]

A new approach to weight loss emphasizes client responsibility, encouraging individuals to take charge of their own weight management rather than relying solely on health providers.

The study introduces a guiding instrument that helps clients plan, execute, and evaluate their weight loss actions, aiming to foster independence and improve long-term success in weight reduction.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promoting the management of weight reduction. Whitman, NA.[2019]

Citations

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MyHealthPath Tools for Obesity · Info for Participants

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Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Data

The database includes data on breastfeeding, fruits and vegetables, physical activity, sugar drinks, television watching, and obesity/weight.