BrainWeighve Smartphone App to Support Weight Loss in Teens with Obesity Using Displacement Theory

What this Trial Is About

Childhood obesity is a growing concern in the United States, linked to harmful health outcomes as youth become adults. Researchers are studying an app-based weight loss program for adolescents aged 14 to 21 with obesity, based on displacement theory which explains addictive behaviors as responses to stressful situations. The study aims to develop and test this smartphone app to help reduce overeating and related addictive behaviors, with input from medical and psychological experts and feedback from adolescents. The study has two parts a beta testing stage with eight teens using the app for three weeks to provide feedback for improvements, and a trial stage with 30 adolescents participating in a four-month intervention. During the trial, participants will use the app daily, focusing on identifying stressful situations and creating action plans to manage them. The apps design will be refined to increase engagement, satisfaction, and usability. Participants will take part in assessments before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. These include measuring weight, BMI, diet, snacking, addictive behaviors related to food and substances, motivation for change, stress levels, and distress tolerance. Researchers will monitor app use, support needs, and satisfaction. The study aims to understand how engagement with the app relates to clinical outcomes and to identify barriers and facilitators for future use. Total participation lasts about four months with follow-up evaluations.

BrainWeighve App Feasibility Study