Fit for Duty: mHealth Intervention for Weight Gain Prevention

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHAPEL HILL · Oct 25, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The "Fit for Duty" clinical trial is designed to help prevent weight gain among young adults in the military, particularly active-duty Air Force members. This is important because obesity can affect not only personal health but also military readiness and national security. The study will use mobile technology, including smartphone apps and activity trackers like Fitbits, to deliver a weight management program tailored for military personnel over a period of two years.

To participate in this study, individuals must be between 18 and 39 years old, have a body mass index (BMI) between 21 and 30, and own a smartphone with a data plan. They also need to be stationed at certain Air Force bases and be willing to wear a Fitbit daily. Those who are pregnant, have had weight loss surgery recently, or are participating in other weight loss programs are not eligible. Participants can expect to receive support through the mobile program to help them maintain a healthy weight while serving in the military. This trial aims to provide a practical solution for those at risk of weight gain in their important roles.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • age 18-39
• • body mass index (BMI) of 21-30 kg/m\^2
• • own a smartphone with a data and text messaging plan;
• • Active-Duty military personnel stationed at Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland, Joint Base San Antonio - Ft. Sam Houston, Sheppard Air Force Base or Keesler Air Force Base
• • Anticipate being at their Station 12 months or more
• • Willing and able to wear a Fitbit activity tracker daily for the duration of the study
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Currently pregnant, pregnant within the past 6 months, or planning to become pregnant within the next 12 months.
• • Previous surgical procedure for weight loss in past 5 years or planned weight loss surgery in the next year.
• • Past diagnosis of or receiving treatment for a clinically diagnosed eating disorder (anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa).
• • Another member of the household is a participant in this same study
• • Currently participating in a commercial weight loss program