Control Systems Engineering for Weight Loss Maintenance
Recruiting · Providence, Rhode Island
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
This project capitalizes on principles of control systems engineering to build a dynamical model that predicts weight change during weight loss maintenance using behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental indicators evaluated in a system identification experiment. A 6-month behavioral obesity treatment will be administered to produce weight loss.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
This project capitalizes on principles of control systems engineering to build a dynamical model that predicts weight change during weight loss maintenance using behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental indicators evaluated in a system identification experiment. A 6-month behavioral obesity treatment will be administered to produce weight loss. Participants losing at least 3% of initial body weight will be followed for an additional 12 months via daily smartphone surveys that incorporates passive sensing to objectively monitor key behaviors. Survey data pertaining to behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental indicators will be used to develop a controller algorithm that can predict when an individual is entering a heightened period of risk for regain and why risk is elevated. Interventions targeting key risk indicators will be randomly administered during the system ID experiment. Survey and passive sensing data documenting the effects of the interventions will likewise drive development of the controller algorithm, allowing it to determine which interventions are most likely to counter risk of regain.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •English-fluent and able to read at about a 6th-grade level
- •BMI between 25 and 50 (kg/m²)
- •Can walk 2 city blocks without stopping
- •Owns a smartphone
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •Have a heart condition, chest pain during activity or rest, or fainting/loss of consciousness in the 12 months before enrolling
- •Are in another weight loss program now
- •Are taking weight loss medication now
- •Have lost 5% or more of their body weight in the last 6 months
- •Were pregnant within the last 6 months, or plan to become pregnant within 18 months
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 18–70
- ✓A BMI around 25 or higher
- ✓Have Obesity / overweight
- !Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
Yes. This treatment has already been through earlier human studies for safety before reaching this stage.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
This project capitalizes on principles of control systems engineering to build a dynamical model that predicts weight change during weight loss maintenance using behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental indicators evaluated in a system identification experiment. A 6-month behavioral obesity treatment will be administered to produce weight loss.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a mid-stage study (Phase 2), looking at safety and whether the treatment works. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
Study-related care is provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06244888 · Locations: Rhode Island