EAT: A Reliable Eating Assessment Technology for Free-living Individuals

Launched by NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · Nov 1, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called EAT, is studying a small wearable device designed to monitor eating habits in everyday life. The device, which is worn around the neck, takes pictures of the wearer’s upper body without capturing any sound, while participants go about their normal activities. Over the course of seven weeks, participants will wear the device for four weeks, keeping track of everything they eat and drink in a daily log. They'll also have phone calls with a dietitian to discuss their eating habits. In between these active weeks, there are breaks where participants don’t have to complete any study tasks. The device includes privacy features to protect participants' identities, and they will have the chance to share their feedback on the device at the end of the study.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be between the ages of 18 and 74, live in the Chicago area, and be able to read, write, and speak English. They also need to have a smartphone and access to a computer. Some individuals, such as those who are pregnant, have recently lost or gained a significant amount of weight, or have certain genetic conditions related to obesity, will not be able to participate. This study aims to better understand eating behaviors while ensuring the privacy and comfort of its participants.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • BMI greater than or equal to 18.5
• • Chicago metropolitan area resident
• • Able to speak, read and write in English
• • Has a valid phone number
• • Owns a smartphone
• • Has access to a computer
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
• • Experienced significant weight loss/gain in the last three months (25 lbs or more)
• • Diagnosed with or has a family history of genetic obesity syndromes (e.g., Prader-Willi, Bardet-Biedl, Cohen Syndrome)
• • Member of household enrolled in the study