Microrandomized Trial to Optimize Use of Burden-reducing Self-monitoring Approaches in Behavioral Obesity Treatment
This clinical trial is focused on testing dietary self-monitoring strategies used in behavioral obesity treatment. The goal is to determine which self-monitoring strategies are most useful for whom, at which points in treatment, and under what circumstances. Researchers will provide a 24-week online behavioral obesity treatment program, and will randomize participants to use one of 5 dietary self-monitoring strategies every two weeks. The five strategies include: recording all food and drink consumed and corresponding energy intake (i.e., calories) on 7 days per week; recording all food and drink consumed and corresponding energy intake (i.e., calories) on 3 days per week; self-monitoring of dietary lapses (i.e. any eating/drinking likely to cause weight gain or put weight loss at risk); smartwatch-based monitoring of energy intake (i.e., calories); and self-monitoring of body weight only via smart scale. Participants will: * Follow a 24-week online program for weight loss and health improvement * Use the assigned self-monitoring strategy every two weeks * Meet with the researchers periodically via online video call and provide research data by answering questions via periodic online surveys.
• English language fluent and literate at the 6th grade level
• Body mass index (BMI) above 25 kg/m-squared
• Able to walk 2 city blocks without stopping
• Not currently participating in another weight loss program
• Not currently taking weight loss medication
• Has not lost ≥5% of body weight in the 6 months prior to enrolling
• Has not been pregnant within the 6 months prior to enrolling
• Does not plan to become pregnant within 12 months of enrolling
• Denies having a heart condition, chest pain during periods of activity or rest, or loss of consciousness in the 12 months prior to enrolling
• Denies any medical condition that would affect the safety of participating in unsupervised physical activity
• Denies any condition that would result in inability to follow the study protocol, including terminal illness, substance abuse, eating disorder (not including Binge Eating Disorder) and untreated major psychiatric illness
• Owns a smartphone compatible with study procedures and is willing to use it for study participation