SWITCH App for Obesity

(SWITCH Trial)

Overseen By Brie Turner-McGrievy, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of South Carolina

Must not be taking: Blood glucose medications

Disqualifiers: Type 2 diabetes, Pregnancy, Eating disorder, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 12 weeks

106 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of the Self-monitoring With Internet Technology to Choose Healthy Diets (SWITCH) study is to examine a 12-week remotely delivered program designed to help adults adopt a healthy dietary lifestyle and lose weight in a diverse cohort of adults with overweight/obesity. The intervention uses a self-determination theory framework to provide a deeper understanding of the factors that influence dietary behavior within the context of tracking. This study incorporates autonomy-supportive strategies to encourage participants to feel more in control of their dietary choices and will provide information and resources to boost participant's competence in achieving their dietary goals. The intervention includes weekly learning modules to support healthy eating and weight loss and daily dietary tracking with visual feedback, all accessible within the SWITCH app.

Research Team

Brie Turner-McGrievy, PhD, MS, RD

Principal Investigator

University of South Carolina

Eligibility Criteria

The SWITCH Diets Study is for adults with overweight or obesity who are looking to adopt a healthier diet and lose weight. Participants should be interested in using an app to track their daily food intake and learn about healthy eating through weekly modules.

Inclusion Criteria

My BMI is between 25 and 49.9.

Must be willing and able to change dietary intake

Be free of major health or psychiatric diseases, drug, or alcohol dependency

Exclusion Criteria

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

Having an eating disorder

I have type 2 diabetes or I'm on medication that affects my blood sugar.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Orientation and Baseline Assessment

Participants attend a study orientation, complete all baseline measures, and are randomized into groups

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants engage in a 12-week remotely delivered program with weekly learning modules and daily dietary tracking via the SWITCH app

12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in Healthy Eating Index and body weight after the intervention

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• SWITCH app

Trial Overview This study tests the effectiveness of the SWITCH app, which includes self-regulation features for dietary tracking and visual feedback. It also provides learning modules aimed at supporting healthy eating habits over a 12-week period.

Participant Groups

Group I: SWITCH tracking healthy nutrients Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants allocated to this group will be given goals to reach a recommended daily intake of nutrients in which US adults tend to not consume enough. Recommended amounts will be based off of age and sex, in line with the US Dietary Guidelines.

Group II: standard SWITCH app Active Control 2 Interventions

Participants in this group will be given goals to reduce intake of nutrients in which US adults tend to consume too much. Personalized daily intake goals for nutrients will be based on age, weight, sex, and the US Dietary Guidelines.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of South Carolina

Lead Sponsor

Trials

233

Recruited

122,000+