Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Empowering Healthy Lifestyle Personalised Intervention to Prevent and Control Obesity: The HealthyW8 Project

The HealthyW8 study is looking into how a digital tool, called a healthy lifestyle recommender system (HLRS), can help people prevent and manage their weight. It's designed for different age groups: primary school children and their parents, young adults (18-25), and older people (over 65). The tool gives personalised advice on eating, physical activity, and sleep, and also helps with motivation through digital devices. Researchers will compare people using this digital tool with those receiving standard care. They want to see if the tool helps reduce the risk of being overweight or obese and improves things like body composition and general health markers over a three-month and then a one-year period.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Fundació d'investigació Sanitària de les Illes Balears

Enrolment target

2,720

Start

01 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2028

Obesity Prevention Obesity and Overweight Obesity and Obesity-related Medical Conditions Digital Health Behavioural Science Interventions to Improve Health Equity

What is this study about?

The HealthyW8 project is a study about finding new ways to help people keep a healthy weight before they become overweight or obese. It's especially focused on different stages of life when people might be more likely to put on weight. The study wants to see if a special digital tool, which we'll call a 'healthy lifestyle guide', can make a real difference. This guide will give you personalised advice on things like what to eat, how much exercise to get, and even tips for better sleep, all through digital devices like your phone.

Researchers believe that preventing obesity isn't just about what you eat or how much you move; it's also about your feelings and habits, and the world around you. So, this study looks at all these different parts to create a complete plan. They are particularly interested in helping schoolchildren (with their parents), young adults, and older people, as these are times when lifestyle changes can have a big impact on health.

This study is important because even though there are many apps out there, unfortunately, overweight and obesity are still increasing. The HealthyW8 project hopes to create a better digital guide that really encourages people to adopt and stick to healthy habits. By doing this, they hope to make it easier for people across Europe to live healthier lives and reduce the risks linked to being overweight.

Key takeaways

Tests a digital tool for healthier living.
Aims to prevent and manage overweight/obesity.
Targets children, young adults, and older people.
Uses personalised advice on diet, exercise, and sleep.
Compares digital tool users with standard care.
Participation involves using a smartphone app and health checks.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who are currently overweight, which means their Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25 and 30. You also need to have a smartphone to take part, as the study involves using digital tools and apps.

However, not everyone can join. If you have any ongoing serious health conditions, or if you have any problems with your memory or thinking that would make it hard to follow instructions, then you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you need a lot of help with daily tasks and aren't living an independent life, this study might not be suitable for you.

The study is open to both men and women, and to a wide range of ages, from 7-year-old children (with parental involvement) up to older adults.

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 currently overweight (BMI between 25 and 30)?
Do you own and regularly use a smartphone?
Do you not have any major ongoing serious illnesses?
Are you able to live independently and follow instructions?
Are you aged 7 or older (with parental involvement if under 18)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the HealthyW8 study, you would be asked to follow recommendations given by a digital healthy lifestyle guide. This guide will offer advice on your meal plans, how much physical activity you get, and even your sleep patterns. It will also look at your habits and feelings, and provide motivational tips, all delivered through digital devices like your smartphone.

Researchers will regularly measure your body weight, body composition (which is a breakdown of what your body is made of, like fat and muscle), and collect samples for what are called 'biomarkers' (these are substances in your body that can tell us about your health). These measurements will happen at the beginning of the study, after three months, and again after a year. Some participants will be in an 'intervention group' using the digital tool, while others might be in a 'control group' and receive standard care. The total duration of the main intervention would be one year.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer potential benefits, such as gaining access to a personalised digital tool that could help you improve your eating, exercise, and sleep habits, potentially leading to a healthier weight and better overall well-being. However, there are no guarantees that you will experience these benefits. As with any study, there could be unforeseen risks or inconveniences, though these would be carefully explained to you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (13)

Virtech Ood
Verified postcode
Sofia, Bulgaria
Regional Cluster North-East
Verified postcode
Varna, Bulgaria
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
Verified postcode
Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Leibniz-Institut Fur Praventionsforschung Und Epidemiologie - Bips Gmbh
Verified postcode
Bremen, Germany
Deutsches Forschungszentrum Fur Kunstliche Intelligenz Gmbh
Verified postcode
Kaiserslautern, Germany
Universita Degli Studi Di Scienze Gastronomiche
Verified postcode
Bra, Italy
Luxembourg Institute of Health
Verified postcode
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
Verified postcode
Eindhoven, Netherlands
Universidade de Coimbra
Verified postcode
Coimbra, Portugal
Universidade de Evora
Verified postcode
Evora, Portugal
Fundacio Institut D'Investigacio Sanitaria Illes Balears (Idisba)
Verified postcode
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Centre de Recerca En Economia I Desenvolupament Agroalimentari-Upc-Irta
Verified postcode
Castelldefels, Spain

Common questions

What is the main goal of the HealthyW8 study?

The main goal is to see if a special digital tool can help people prevent and manage being overweight or obese by encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.

Who can take part in this study?

The study is looking for people who are currently overweight (BMI 25-30) and have a smartphone. This includes schoolchildren (aged 7+ with parents), young adults (18-25), and older adults (over 65).

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll use a digital app or device that gives you personalised advice on diet, exercise, and sleep. Researchers will regularly check your weight, body composition, and other health markers.

How long does the study last?

The main part of the study involves following the digital recommendations for one year, with checks at the start, after three months, and at the end of the year.

Will I get medical advice from the study?

The study provides lifestyle recommendations through a digital tool, but it's not a substitute for medical advice from your doctor. Always talk to your GP about your health decisions.

How to find out more

Josep A Tur, PhD

pep.tur@uib.es +34971173146 Official trial record

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