Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Weight Reduction With the Low-Insulin-Method - Self Monitoring of Breath Acetone

This study is investigating new ways to help adults who are overweight or have obesity manage their weight. Researchers want to find out if using a special app, called the 'Low-Insulin-Method' app, can help people lose weight. This app offers advice on healthy eating, including low-carb options, and encourages physical activity. Some participants will also use a breath test device that can show if their body is burning fat (ketosis). The study will compare people who use the app and the breath test, with those who just use the app, to see if tracking fat burning makes a difference to weight loss over 12 months. The goal is to create a useful programme for preventing and managing weight-related health problems.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

West German Center of Diabetes and Health

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Overweight and Obese Volunteers

What is this study about?

This study is designed to help people who are overweight or have obesity find effective ways to manage their weight. Many people struggle with their weight, and this can lead to other health issues. Researchers have developed something called the 'Low-Insulin-Method', which is delivered through a special app. This app gives advice on lifestyle changes, such as eating a low-carbohydrate diet and being more active, to help people lose weight.

The main question of this study is whether knowing if your body is burning fat for energy – a state called ketosis – can help with weight loss. Some people in the study will use the app and also a small device that measures chemicals on their breath to tell them if they are in this fat-burning state. Others will just use the app without this breath test. The researchers will then compare the weight loss in both groups after 3 and 12 months.

The ultimate goal of this research is to create a helpful programme that can be used by individuals who are overweight, have obesity, or are at risk of developing diabetes or who already have type 2 diabetes. This programme could help prevent further health problems related to weight.

Key takeaways

Tests an app for weight loss in overweight or obese adults.
Compares app use with and without breath testing for fat burning.
Aims to create a programme for preventing weight-related diseases.
Participation involves using an app for 12 months and reporting weight.
No specific risks mentioned for this lifestyle intervention study.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. This study is open to both men and women.

Your body mass index (BMI) needs to be above 25kg/m2. BMI is a measure that uses your height and weight to estimate if you're a healthy weight. A BMI over 25 generally means you are considered overweight or obese.

There are no specific reasons listed that would prevent someone from joining this particular study, other than not meeting the age or BMI requirements.

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 have a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 25 (considered overweight or obese)?
Are you willing to use a smartphone app for 12 months?
Are you able to regularly report your body weight?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will use a special app called the 'LIM-App' for 12 months. This app will give you information and guidance on making lifestyle changes, such as adjusting your diet and increasing your physical activity. You will also be asked to regularly report your body weight. During the study, some participants will also use a device to monitor their breath for signs of fat burning, while others will not have this extra monitoring. The study aims to look at how much your weight changes after 3 months and again after 12 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the benefit of personalised guidance and support through an app to help you lose weight and improve your lifestyle. There are no obvious major risks mentioned for participating, as it primarily involves lifestyle changes and self-monitoring. However, any dietary or exercise changes should always be discussed with your own doctor. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

West German Center of Diabetes and Health
Verified postcode
Düsseldorf, Germany

Common questions

What is ketosis and why is it being measured?

Ketosis is when your body starts burning fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. The study wants to see if knowing you're in this fat-burning state helps with weight loss.

What is the 'LIM-App'?

The 'LIM-App' is a special app developed for this study. It provides advice on healthy eating, like a low-carb diet, and encourages physical activity to help with weight loss.

How long does the study last?

If you join, you'll be part of the study for 12 months, using the app and reporting your weight.

Do I need to visit a clinic often?

The information provided suggests the intervention is app-based and you'll report your weight, so frequent clinic visits are unlikely for the main intervention. More details would be given by the study team.

Will I be told if my body is burning fat?

Only some participants will be given a breath testing device to monitor if their body is burning fat. Others will just use the app without this specific information.

How to find out more

Stephan Martin

stephan.martin@uni-duesseldorf.de 049-2115660360 Official trial record

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