RecruitingInterventional

Supporting Weight Management (SWiM) Study

The SWiM study is looking for adults in the UK who have recently completed a weight loss programme through the NHS or local councils. People who struggle to maintain weight loss often regain the weight they've lost. This study aims to test a new programme called SWiM (Supporting Weight Management) designed to help people keep the weight off and improve their health over two years. Participants will be split into two groups: one will try the SWiM online programme with phone coaching, and the other will receive standard advice. We will track weight, blood sugar, and overall health to see if SWiM helps prevent weight regain, improves health, and is cost-effective.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Enrolment target

1,840

Start

15 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

15 Nov 2027

Weight loss maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity who have recently completed one of a range of UK-commissioned standard behavioural programmes for the prevention and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

What is this study about?

Many people work hard to lose weight through programmes available from the NHS or local councils. While these programmes are often very helpful, keeping the weight off in the long term can be a real challenge for many. This is where the SWiM study comes in. We want to find better ways to support people after they've lost weight to help them maintain their healthier weight years into the future.

Our study will look at a new programme we've developed called SWiM, which stands for Supporting Weight Management. We believe SWiM could help people avoid regaining weight and improve their overall physical and mental health. By comparing SWiM to the usual care people receive, we hope to show it makes a real difference in people's lives and is a worthwhile addition to weight management support in the UK.

This important research will also help us understand if SWiM works well for different people and if it offers good value for money within the healthcare system. The information we gather will be vital in shaping future support for weight management across the country.

Key takeaways

Tests a new programme (SWiM) to help maintain weight loss.
For adults who recently completed NHS/council weight loss programmes.
Involves a website, coaching, and home measurements over two years.
Aims to improve long-term health and understand cost-effectiveness.
Participation includes free digital scales and gift vouchers.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for adults over 18 years old in the UK who have recently taken part in certain weight loss programmes. Specifically, you need to have completed at least 60% of one of five specific NHS or local council weight loss programmes within the last six months.

You also need to be able to give your clear permission to take part, understand English well enough for the study materials, and be comfortable using a website from home. We need you to be willing to be placed into a group by chance and to complete regular measurements.

However, some people won't be able to join. This includes if you're currently using insulin, have had or plan to have weight loss surgery, are pregnant or planning to be, have an eating disorder, or if someone else in your household is also taking part in this study.

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?
Have you recently (in the last 6 months) finished at least 60% of an NHS or local council weight loss programme?
Are you comfortable using a website from home and understand English well?
Are you not currently pregnant or planning to be in the near future?
Do you not have an eating disorder or use insulin?
Is no one else in your household already taking part in this study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join the SWiM study, you'll first be asked to give your consent and fill out some questionnaires about your health and how you use health services. You'll then be randomly placed into one of two groups, like flipping a coin – you won't get to choose which one.

One group will receive the SWiM programme, which involves using a special website with 14 lessons over four months. You'll also get phone calls from a trained coach. If you prefer, there's a paper version of the programme too. The other group will receive the usual care, meaning no extra structured support from the study. Throughout the study, at the start, after 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, you'll measure your weight using special digital scales we provide (these send data to us automatically). You'll also do some simple finger-prick blood tests at home for blood sugar and complete more questionnaires. The study will last for two years in total.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include contributing to important research that could help improve weight management support for many people in the UK. You'll also receive digital scales and gift vouchers for completing certain assessments. You might find that the SWiM programme helps you maintain your weight loss and improve your health. The main potential risks are very small: mostly the time it takes to fill out questionnaires, and a slight chance of bruising from the finger-prick blood tests. It's important to remember that you are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

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

MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge
City only
Cambridge, United Kingdom
IMS Epidemiology, University of Cambridge
Unverified
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Common questions

What is the main goal of the SWiM study?

The main goal is to find out if a new programme called SWiM can help people keep off weight they've lost and improve their health over two years.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The study will track your progress for two years from when you start.

Will I get paid for taking part?

You will receive gift vouchers for completing certain assessments (£10 for 6 months, £20 for 12 months, £20 for 24 months, and £20 if you're interviewed).

What are 'e-scales'?

They are digital scales that automatically send your weight measurements to the study team when you step on them. You get to keep them.

Can my doctor still treat me for other health issues during the study?

Yes, taking part in this study won't affect any medical care you usually receive from your doctor.

How can I take part in this study?From the study team

At the moment, people can only join the study through participating weight management services. This means that the service where you completed your previous weight loss programme would need to refer you to the study. If you are interested in taking part, please contact the study team by email at swim2.study@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk or by phone on 01223 375399. We can let you know whether your weight management service is taking part in the study and explain how you may be able to get a referral.

How to find out more

Jenny Woolston

swim2.study@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk 01223 375399 Official trial record

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