B-slim, a Multi-source Digital Super Coach for Sustainable Weight Loss

The purpose of this study is to carry out a field trial to evaluate the effectiveness and added value of the b-SLIM digital Super Coach in a convenient sample of overweight and obese adults.

The purpose of this study is to carry out a field trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the b-SLIM digital Super Coach in a convenient sample of overweight and obese adults. The effectiveness will be evaluated at the individual level by means of a randomized trial. By combining or not combining the use of the b-SLIM digital Super Coach with a conventional physical activity and nutrition coaching, the effectiveness of the Super Coach of the (user-driven) 'Super Coach' compared to a conventional face to face weight loss program can be determined. Outcomes will be measured at the level of health behavior (i.e., physical activity and nutrition), body composition, physical fitness, psychosocial factors (e.g., motivation) and program adherence. The field trial will take place in Leuven (Belgium). This study can be seen as a pilot trial. The central hypothesis of this field trial is that using the multi-source b-SLIM digital Super Coach will support and assist overweight and obese adults to change their health behavior (i.e., physical activity and nutrition) and to lose body weight by improving their self-control, self-determined motivation and attitude towards regular physical activity and healthy diet. The investigators will check if the Super Coach can be a valuable alternative for a conventional physical activity and nutrition coaching.

Digital coaching, Sustainable weight loss, Self-determination theory, Obesity, Overweight, Diet, Physical activity

Patients will not receive a treatment during the actual intervention. This group will receive the digital super coach as an incentive at the end of the trial.

Participants will receive both dietary and physical activity advice. The advice is provided my medical trained staff (eg. dieticia, physiotherapist) according to a standardised protocol. The number of consultations are respectively three and four for diet and physcial activity.

Receive digital super coach and only have a few appointments with a physical activity coach and a dietitian.

Inclusion Criteria: Living in the region of Leuven Middle-aged (from 18 to 65 years) Having a body mass index between 29-34 kg/m² Having an e-mail address Having a personal computer Exclusion Criteria: Suffering from a known physical (e.g., orthopedic limitations, stroke, etc.) and/or psychological (e.g., anorexia, bulimia, depression, etc.) disease or co-morbidity Intake of any medication with possible impact on body weight, endurance capacity Currently treated for diabetes (both Type 1 & 2). No sleepapneu has been determined during the last year. Having a history of systematic strength or endurance training (moderate to high intensity training more than once a week) in the year before the beginning of the trial Having a history of following a supervised dietary advice in the year before the beginning of the trial Having a history of bariatric surgery or any other malabsorption-related disease. Pregnancy

Hurkmans E, Matthys C, Bogaerts A, Scheys L, Devloo K, Seghers J. Face-to-Face Versus Mobile Versus Blended Weight Loss Program: Randomized Clinical Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2018 Jan 11;6(1):e14. doi: 10.2196/mhealth.7713. Erratum In: JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2018 Mar 15;6(3):e10159.