Which feedback helps you lose weight best? new study aims to find out
NCT ID NCT07292389
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests two ways of giving feedback to people in a weight loss program: one that only praises progress, and another that mixes praise with tips for improvement. Researchers want to see which style helps people lose more weight. About 127 adults with overweight or obesity will participate for 12 weeks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- behavioral feedback messages (positive reinforcement or positive reinforcement plus areas for change)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help design better automated feedback systems for weight loss programs, making them more effective for people trying to lose weight.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study focused on feedback styles, not a direct weight loss treatment. Results may not apply to all populations or lead to a commercial product.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 127 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2026
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age greater than or equal to 18 years * BMI greater than or equal to 25.0 kg/m2 * Weight less than or equal to 175 kg (due to scale limit) * Own a smartphone compatible with Fitbit (e.g., an Apple iPhone running iOS 16.4 or higher or Android smartphone running Android 11 or higher) with a cellular and data plan Exclusion Criteria: * Weight greater than 175 kg (due to a weight limit of the study-provided scale) * Smartphone device owned deemed incompatible with the Fitbit App * History of bariatric surgery or plans to obtain bariatric surgery during the study period * Current use of weight loss medications, or use of weight loss medications in the 6 months prior to initial pre-screening * Currently participating in a weight-loss program * Weight loss of greater than or equal to 10 lbs in the 6 months prior to initial pre-screening * Physical limitations that prevent walking at a brisk pace for at least 10 minutes without stopping * Use of a pacemaker or other implanted medical device * Currently pregnant * Currently breastfeeding * Less than 1-year post-partum * Plans to become pregnant within the study period * Lack of written confirmation that the potential participant has discussed study participation with their physician if they have been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, or has have a history of coronary heart disease * One or more study participants living in the household (enrollment limited to one participant per household) * Medical conditions that contraindicate weight loss or prevent completion of the study (e.g., current diagnosis of cancer or terminal illness, dementia, etc.) * Recent (in the past 6 months) changes in medications that affect weight * Self-reported eating disorder within past 5 years * Unable to complete the 17-week study (due to plans to relocate during the study period, etc.) * Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent * Unable to read English at the 5th grade level * Unwilling to accept random assignment * Unable or unwilling to download the study smartphone application, wear the physical activity monitor, or use the study e-scale * Failure to complete baseline assessment measures * Failure to complete at least 4 out of 6 days of self-monitoring dietary and weight self-monitoring during the behavioral run-in period * Any other condition(s) which, in the opinion of the Principal Investigator, would adversely affect participation in the study
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Virginia
RECRUITINGCharlottesville, Virginia, 22901, United States
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