Can Personalised Digital Feedback Help Increase Plant Food Intake?
This study is investigating if a smartphone application with personalised diet advice can help healthy adults, aged 18 to 45, eat more plant-based foods. Many people don’t eat enough vegetables, which is important for good health. While digital tools could help, it's not always clear what makes people use them regularly. This research will test an app that provides individualised recipes and feedback to see if it encourages people to eat more plants and keeps them engaged. Participants will use the app to log meals, receive personalised goals, and wear devices to track things like sleep. A small group will also give blood and saliva samples to understand the body's response. The goal is to see if this kind of app can be an effective way to improve eating habits.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many of us know that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, often called 'plant-based foods,' is good for our health. However, most people in the UK don't eat enough of them. Not getting enough plant-based foods can increase our risk of developing various health problems over time.
Researchers are looking into new ways to help people eat healthier, and smartphone apps could be a convenient way to do this. This study wants to see if an app that gives you personalised advice and recipes – like suggesting meals based on your tastes or what you already eat – can encourage you to include more plant-based foods in your diet. The main idea is to discover if this type of personalised feedback makes it easier and more enjoyable for people to stick with healthier eating habits.
This study is a first step, called a 'proof-of-concept' study. It will involve 315 healthy men and women between 18 and 45 years old who feel they don't eat enough vegetables. By tracking what people eat and how they use the app, the researchers hope to understand if personalised digital feedback is an effective way to help people improve their plant food intake and ultimately their long-term health.
Key takeaways
- Study examines if a personalised app helps adults eat more plants.
- Aims to improve diet and health through digital feedback.
- Involves using a smartphone app to log meals and receive recipes.
- Participants will wear a smartwatch and some will provide blood/saliva samples.
- Main study period is 4 weeks, with an optional 6-week follow-up.
- Looking for healthy individuals aged 18-45 who want to eat more vegetables.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for healthy men and women between the ages of 18 and 45. You should feel that you don't eat enough vegetables, and you must be willing to cook at home at least five days a week. You also need to own a smartphone (Android or iPhone) and be happy to use a meal-logging app daily, as well as wear a smartwatch.
There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you already eat a lot of vegetables, have taken part in another medical trial recently, or plan to travel frequently during the study. You also can't participate if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or follow a specific medically prescribed diet. People with certain health conditions like major depression, diagnosed sleep disorders, or those who have recently gained or lost a lot of weight would also not be eligible.
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 between 18 and 45 years old?
- Do you feel you don't eat enough vegetables?
- Do you own a smartphone (Android or iPhone) and use apps?
- Are you willing to cook at home at least 5 days a week?
- Are you willing to wear a smartwatch every day for the study?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, it actually lasts for a total of 12 weeks, but the main part of the study is 4 weeks long. First, you'll get instructions on how to use the study app on your smartphone. For the first two weeks, you'll use the app to log all your meals to create a picture of your usual eating habits. During this time, you will also wear a special monitor to track your blood sugar levels. This information will help create your personalised plan.
For the next four weeks, which is the main intervention period, you'll continue to use the app. If you're in the group receiving personalised feedback, you will get recipes and advice tailored to you. If you're in the control group, you'll only have access to the meal-logging part of the app. Throughout this four-week period, everyone will wear a smartwatch to track things like how well and how long they sleep.
After the main four weeks, you can continue using the app for another six weeks to see if you keep using it over time. At the very end, you'll fill out a questionnaire sharing your thoughts on the app and how it might have changed your eating habits.
A smaller group of 50 participants will also visit the University of Bath lab twice (once at the beginning and once after the 4-week intervention). Each visit will last about 45 minutes. During these visits, you'll have your blood pressure and weight checked, and you'll provide saliva and blood samples. These samples will help researchers understand how your body responds to changes in your diet. There are no specific medications involved in this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Univeristy of BathVerified postcodeBath, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of app will I be using?
You'll be using a smartphone app that lets you log your meals. Some participants will also receive personalised recipes and dietary advice through the app.
Do I need to buy special foods?
The study aims to help you increase plant-based foods, but you won't be told to buy specific special foods. The recipes might involve common healthy ingredients, including Knorr products.
Will I get paid for taking part?
The study information focuses on what participation involves but doesn't mention payment. This is a good question to ask the research team if you are interested.
How much time will this take out of my day?
You'll need to spend time daily logging your meals and engaging with the app. For a small group, there are two 45-minute lab visits.
What happens to my personal information?
Your personal information will be kept private and used only for the study's research purposes, as outlined by the research team.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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