Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Exploring the Use of Genetic and Behavioural Data in Tailoring Dietary and Lifestyle Support

This study explores how we can make healthy eating programmes more effective. Usually, these plans use information like your health, lifestyle, and genetic make-up. However, it can be hard to stick to them because daily life, moods, and unexpected challenges get in the way. We're interested in whether adding real-time tips and prompts based on your current psychological state and behaviour can help you stay on track better than standard personalised plans. We'll also check if this adaptive support can be delivered easily in everyday life and how much participants like it and find it useful. The goal is to help develop a smart programme for personalised nutrition in the future.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Alexandra King

Enrolment target

Start

13 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Adherence to a Personalised Nutrition Programme

What is this study about?

Imagine you're trying to eat healthier, but daily life throws unexpected challenges at you – maybe you're stressed, tired, or suddenly have a busy schedule. This study wants to find out if we can make healthy eating plans more effective by understanding not just your basic health and genes, but also your day-to-day feelings and behaviours.

Currently, personalised healthy eating programmes often use information like your general health, lifestyle habits, and even your genetic information to suggest what you should eat. While this is helpful, many people still find it hard to stick to these plans in the long run. We believe that by understanding how your mood, motivation, and immediate challenges affect your choices, we could offer more timely and helpful support.

So, this study will compare two approaches: one based on current personalised methods (using health, lifestyle, and genetic data) and another that adds an extra layer – adapting messages and prompts based on your psychological state and real-time behaviour. We want to see if this 'smarter' approach helps you stick to the plan better. We'll also check if this way of supporting people works well in everyday life and if participants find it useful and engaging. The results will help us design future programmes that are even better at supporting people to achieve their health goals.

Key takeaways

Exploring if personalised coaching based on your daily actions and feelings helps you eat healthier.
Compares a standard personalised plan with one that adapts to your real-time situation.
Aims to understand how to make healthy eating advice easier to follow.
Results will help create new, smarter health programmes.
Participation involves receiving daily messages and providing a cheek swab for genetic insights.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 45 years old. Your body mass index (BMI) should be between 18.5 and 40, which covers people from a healthy weight up to those in the obesity range. You'll need a smartphone with WhatsApp installed and be happy to get daily messages for about six weeks. You should also be able to understand instructions in English and be willing to provide a simple cheek swab for a DNA test.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a diagnosed eating disorder or significant problems with eating, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the study won't be suitable for you. Also, if you have certain medical conditions that need special dietary changes, like diabetes that requires medication or coeliac disease, or if you take medicines that greatly affect your appetite or weight, you won't be able to take part.

We also can't include people who work night shifts or have severe mental health conditions. If you're already in another study focused on changing behaviour or weight, or if you're not happy to receive WhatsApp messages or information about your genes, then this study isn't for you.

Quick self-check

Are you between 18 and 45 years old?
Do you have a smartphone with WhatsApp?
Are you willing to receive daily messages for 6 weeks?
Can you understand instructions written in English?
Do you have any medical conditions requiring very specific diets (like treated diabetes or coeliac disease)? (If yes, you might not be eligible)
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding, or do you have a diagnosed eating disorder? (If yes, you might not be eligible)

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, you'll be involved for about six weeks. During this time, you'll receive daily messages on WhatsApp. There are no clinic visits or specific medications involved. You'll be asked to provide a simple cheek swab from the inside of your mouth so we can analyse your DNA. You'll also need to be willing to follow light lifestyle suggestions related to things like diet, physical activity, sleep, and managing stress. The study aims to fit into your normal daily life, and you'll be encouraged to engage with the programme over the six-week period.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you the benefit of better understanding how personalised support can help you stick to a healthy eating plan. You'll receive guidance that might help improve your diet and lifestyle habits. There are minimal risks; you might find the daily messages a little intrusive at times, or you might receive information about your genetic predispositions that you weren't expecting. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect any medical care you receive.

Locations (1)

St Mary's University
Twickenham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a 'personalised nutrition programme'?

It's a plan for healthy eating and living that's specifically designed for you, considering your health, lifestyle, and sometimes your unique genetic information.

Will I have to drastically change my diet?

The study focuses on 'light lifestyle recommendations', meaning suggestions to improve your diet and habits rather than radical changes. It promotes healthy eating and living.

What does a 'cheek swab for DNA analysis' involve?

It's a quick and painless process where we gently rub a cotton swab inside your cheek to collect a small sample of your cells for genetic testing.

How much time will this study take out of my day?

The main commitment is receiving and engaging with daily messages via WhatsApp for six weeks. There are no lengthy appointments or travel involved.

What kind of messages will I receive on WhatsApp?

The messages will provide helpful tips and prompts related to healthy eating, lifestyle, and motivation to help you stick to your personalised plan.