RecruitingObservational

Using digital technology to support people living with obesity

This study explores a new online tool called W8Buddy, designed to help people with obesity manage their weight. Many people in the UK could benefit from specialist NHS weight management services, but there aren't enough spaces for everyone. This research compares the W8Buddy digital platform, which aims to provide remote specialist care, with the standard weight management services offered in NHS hospitals. The main goal is to find out if the digital approach offers long-term health benefits, is easy for people to use, is good value for money, and helps more patients get the support they need. It focuses on adults with specific types of obesity.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Warwick

Enrolment target

450

Start

09 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

24 Aug 2026

Class 2 obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m²) with at least one medical complication (e.g., prediabetes, type 2 diabetes [T2DM]); or patients with obesity class 3 (BMI ≥40 kg/m2), without any complications.

What is this study about?

Obesity is a common health condition in the UK, affecting over a quarter of adults, and it can lead to various serious health problems. The NHS offers special services to help people manage their weight, including advice on lifestyle, psychological support, and sometimes medication. However, these services are often hard to access, and the availability can differ a lot depending on where you live. While many people could benefit from these services each year, only a small number can actually get a place. This means that a lot of people who need help aren't able to get it.

This study is looking into a new digital tool called 'Gro Health W8Buddy'. This tool provides specialist weight management support online, which could potentially help more people access care from home. The researchers want to compare this digital approach with the standard weight management services provided in NHS hospitals. They want to see if the Gro Health W8Buddy program is effective in the long run, if people find it helpful and easy to use, and if it's a cost-effective way to deliver care.

The main aim of this research is to see if using this digital technology can improve people's health, help them manage their weight, and make it easier for many more people to get the specialist care they need. Ultimately, the study hopes to gather strong evidence to support using digital tools like Gro Health W8Buddy more widely across the UK.

Key takeaways

Exploring a new online program (W8Buddy) for weight management.
Compares digital support to standard NHS weight management services.
Aims to improve access and long-term health outcomes for people with obesity.
Open to adults with specific BMI and health conditions.
Study will run from November 2024 to October 2027.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older to take part. You might be able to join if you have what doctors call 'Class 2 obesity' (meaning your Body Mass Index, or BMI, is 35 or higher) and you also have at least one other health problem like pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Alternatively, you could be eligible if you have 'Class 3 obesity' (BMI of 40 or higher) even if you don't have these specific health complications.

However, there are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. These include if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have Type 1 diabetes, certain severe kidney or liver conditions, or if you are dealing with active alcohol or drug dependency. Also, if you have a history of eating disorders, severe ongoing mental health conditions, or are considering weight loss surgery during the study period, you wouldn't be able to participate. You also can't be taking part in another weight management research study or in the diabetes remission program.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Is your BMI 35 or higher with another health issue like pre-diabetes, OR is your BMI 40 or higher without needing other issues?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you NOT have Type 1 diabetes or serious kidney/liver disease?
Are you NOT currently seeking weight loss surgery within the next few years?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are eligible and agree to take part, you will be recruited from one of four NHS specialist weight management clinics. You will then get to choose if you want to follow the standard NHS weight management service provided in hospitals or try the new digital W8Buddy program. The study will not randomly assign you to one group or the other; you will make the choice yourself. Researchers will then collect information about your health over 18 to 24 months. This will include looking at things like any changes in your weight, how long it took for you to start treatment, and how much the services cost. They will also ask about your experiences and thoughts through surveys and interviews.

Potential risks and benefits

The registration for this study doesn't specifically list any direct benefits or risks. However, if you choose the digital W8Buddy pathway, you might benefit from more flexible access to weight management support from home. As with any new approach, there could be unforeseen challenges, but the study is designed to carefully observe and understand experiences. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (4)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
City only
Coventry, England
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust - Oxford Covid19 Trials
City only
Birmingham, England
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Luton, England
Hywel Dda Uhb, Prince Philip Hospital
City only
Llanelli, Wales

Common questions

What is obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition where you have too much body fat, which can affect your health. Doctors often use a measure called Body Mass Index (BMI) to help define it.

What is W8Buddy?

W8Buddy is an online program and app that provides specialist support for people managing their weight. It's a 'virtual' service accessed through a digital platform called Gro Health.

What's the difference between this study and regular NHS services?

This study compares a new digital way of getting weight management support (W8Buddy) with the usual care you'd get from specialist NHS clinics in hospitals. It wants to see if the digital option is better or just as good.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by a UK public body called the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which supports health and social care research.

When will the study results be ready?

The study started in November 2024 and is expected to run until October 2027, so results will be available after that date.

How to find out more

Richard Green

Richard.Green@uhcw.nhs.uk +44 (0)2476966581 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.