Actively Recruiting
Leveraging Generative Artificial Intelligence in Mobile Health Promotion Programs: A Use Case for Enhancing Tailored Messaging and Engagement in a Mobile Healthy Weight Program
Led by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · Updated on 2026-04-22
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
1 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Lead Sponsor
U
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating whether adding a generative artificial intelligence chatbot to a 12-week smartphone-based behavioral weight loss program is feasible and helpful for young adults aged 18 to 39 with overweight or obesity. The study aims to compare the standard program, which sends 1-2 brief daily messages, with the same program enhanced by a chatbot offering extra behavior change support to improve engagement and weight loss. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the standard AGILE behavioral weight loss program or the AGILE program plus a chatbot integrated into the app. Both programs include weekly lessons, personalized goals, self-monitoring of diet, activity, and weight, and tailored feedback. The chatbot provides additional cognitive behavioral support through brief daily conversations to help with tracking, overcoming barriers, and staying motivated. During the 12-week program, researchers will assess participant engagement with the program and chatbot, weight changes, and user acceptability of the chatbot. Participants will use a Fitbit tracker and scale to monitor physical activity and weight. Assessments occur at the start and end of the 12 weeks to measure outcomes such as program engagement, chatbot use, perceived usefulness, ease of use, and percent weight change.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Piloting a Generative Artificial Intelligence Chatbot in a Mobile Weight Loss Program
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Body mass index (BMI) of 25-45 kg/m²
- English-speaking and writing
- Own an iPhone with a data plan
- Willing to be randomized to either treatment group
- Age between 18 and 39 years
You will not qualify if you...
- Type 1 diabetes or currently receiving medical treatment for Type 2 diabetes
- Health problems affecting ability to walk or causing unintentional weight change, including tuberculosis, current cancer treatment, or history of heart attack or stroke
- Report heart condition, chest pain during activity or rest, loss of consciousness, or any reason preventing walking for physical activity
- Lost 10 or more pounds and kept it off in the last 6 months
- Currently taking weight loss medications
- History of weight loss surgery or planning surgery in next 4 months
- Past or current diagnosis or treatment for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa
- Currently pregnant or planning pregnancy within 4 months
- Health or psychological diagnoses preventing participation in prescribed diet and exercise, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, recent psychiatric hospitalization, or current substance abuse
- Another household member is a participant or staff in this trial
- Currently participating in another weight loss, nutrition, physical activity study, or conflicting study
- Not willing to wear a Fitbit daily
- Participated in another study by the UNC Weight Research Program in past 12 months
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or remote)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants receive a 12-week mobile behavioral weight loss intervention via a smartphone app, including weekly lessons, personalized goals, self-monitoring, weekly tailored feedback, and daily tailored messages. Participants in one group also have access to a chatbot for brief conversations 1-2 times per day to support behavior change.
Assessments at baseline and Week 12
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27514
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Brooke T Nezami, PhD
K
Karen Hatley, MPH
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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