Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Adults Regulating Their Weight Everyday With Mobile Internet Support

The ARTEMIS study is looking into how effective a mobile app can be for adults living with obesity in the UK. The app is designed to help people manage their weight by encouraging daily self-weighing and reflecting on their habits. Participants will use the app to choose and track actions that help them control their weight, aiming to build a set of healthy routines that work for them. This research is important because it studies a way to help people lose weight using technology, completely remotely. Researchers will also check to make sure the app doesn't accidentally cause any problems with eating habits. If successful, this could offer a convenient new way for people to manage their weight.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

1,294

Start

24 Mar 2023

Estimated completion

23 Mar 2025

Obesity

What is this study about?

The ARTEMIS study (which stands for Adults Regulating Their Weight Everyday with Mobile Internet Support) is a research project designed to see if a special mobile app can help adults in the UK manage their weight. People who are living with obesity are taking part to test how well this app works.

The main idea behind the app is to help individuals develop better ways of managing their weight by focusing on making small, regular changes. Participants use the app daily to weigh themselves and think about actions they can take to control their weight. They then choose new actions for the next day, gradually building up a set of helpful habits that fit into their life. The study aims to see if this totally remote approach, using only the app and no in-person meetings, can lead to successful and safe weight loss.

The researchers are also carefully checking for any unexpected downsides, particularly whether using the app might lead to unhealthy eating behaviours. By understanding both the benefits and any potential risks, the study hopes to provide valuable information about new ways to support people in their weight management journey.

Key takeaways

Tests a mobile app for weight management.
Focuses on daily habits and choices.
No in-person contact – entirely remote.
Aims to help adults in the UK with obesity.
Monitors for safety regarding eating habits.
Could offer a new, convenient way to manage weight.

Who may be eligible?

To join the ARTEMIS study, you need to be an adult aged 18 or over and currently living with obesity. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) needs to be 30 or higher if you are of white ethnicity, or 27.5 or higher for all other ethnic backgrounds.

You must live in the UK full-time and plan to stay here for at least the next year. You also need to have a smartphone that can access the internet and be able to use digital weighing scales. It's important that you can understand English to take part.

There are also some things that would mean you can't join. For example, if you've recently been part of a weight management programme or study, or if you've lost a lot of weight (more than 5 kg or about 10 pounds) in the last six months. People who have had weight-loss surgery or are planning to have it, or those who are pregnant or planning to be in the next year, cannot participate. If you've ever been diagnosed with an eating disorder, or have a serious illness like cancer that causes major weight loss, you wouldn't be eligible either.

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?
Do you live full-time in the UK and plan to stay for at least the next year?
Can you access the internet with a smartphone AND use digital weighing scales?
Do you understand English?
Have you NOT been in a weight management programme or study in the last 3 months?
Have you NOT lost more than 5kg (10 pounds) in the last 6 months, and are you NOT pregnant or planning pregnancy in the next year?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in the ARTEMIS study, you will use a special mobile app designed to help with weight management. Your main activity will be daily self-weighing and using the app to reflect on your choices and plan new actions for managing your weight. All interaction with the study will be through the mobile app, meaning there will be no in-person visits or meetings required. The study is designed to be completely remote, allowing you to participate from home. The exact duration of participation will be explained in full detail when you learn more about the study, but it would involve consistent use of the app over a period to track your progress and habits.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in the ARTEMIS study could offer a new way to help you manage your weight through a mobile app, potentially leading to weight loss and the development of sustainable healthy habits. As with any new approach, there's always a small chance of unforeseen effects; the researchers will be carefully monitoring for any signs that the app might unintentionally cause disordered eating. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Online social media platforms (Meta (Facebook, Instagram, Google, Twitter)
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of the ARTEMIS study?

The main goal is to find out if a mobile app can effectively help adults manage their weight by encouraging daily healthy choices and building lasting habits.

Do I need to go to clinics or appointments?

No, this study is entirely remote. All your participation will be through a mobile app on your smartphone, with no in-person visits.

What does the app ask me to do each day?

The app will ask you to weigh yourself daily and reflect on actions you've taken to control your weight, then choose new actions for the next day.

Will my information be kept private?

All research studies are required to protect your personal information and privacy. Specific details will be provided before you agree to participate.

Can anyone with obesity join this study?

There are specific requirements to join, such as age, BMI, residency in the UK, and not having certain health conditions or recent weight changes. It's important to check all the criteria carefully.