Actively Recruiting
Piloting a Generative Artificial Intelligence Chatbot in a Mobile Weight Loss Program
Led by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · Updated on 2026-04-22
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
17 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
The goal of this study is to learn if integrating a chatbot into an existing 12-week smartphone-delivered behavioral weight loss program is feasible and effective for weight loss among young adults. Researchers will compare a standard behavioral weight loss program for young adults that delivers 1-2 brief messages per day (AGILE) to the same program with a chatbot that offers additional behavior change support integrated into the app (AGILE + Chatbot) to determine if the program with the chatbot is feasible, acceptable to participants, and improves program engagement and weight change compared to AGILE alone.
CONDITIONS
Official 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
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, history of heart attack or stroke
- Heart condition, chest pain during activity or rest, loss of consciousness, or other reasons unable to walk for physical activity
- Lost 10 or more pounds (and kept it off) in last 6 months
- Currently taking weight loss medications
- History of or planning weight loss surgery in next 4 months
- Past diagnosis or treatment for an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa)
- Currently pregnant or planning pregnancy in next 4 months
- Health or psychological diagnoses preventing participation in diet and exercise program, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, recent psychiatric hospitalization, current alcohol or substance abuse
- Another household member enrolled as participant or staff on this trial
- Currently in another weight loss, nutrition, physical activity program, or study interfering with this study
- Unwilling to wear a Fitbit daily
- Participated in another UNC Weight Research Program study in past 12 months
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
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
CONTACT
K
Karen Hatley, MPH
CONTACT
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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