Fitbit-Supported Health Coaching for Obesity

(FIT-COACH Trial)

This trial explores how using a Fitbit and working with a health coach can help people with obesity increase their physical activity. The goal is to determine if this support can improve health, even without weight loss. Participants will engage in a 12-week program that includes virtual sessions with a health coach and activity tracking with a Fitbit. It suits those who have been taking a specific weight-loss medication (GLP-1/GIP) for at least three months and are patients at UMass Medical Group Primary Care Clinic. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance obesity management strategies.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it requires that you continue taking a GLP-1/GIP medication for at least 3 months.

Research shows that using Fitbit can lead to positive health changes. Participants in these studies have increased their physical activity, taking more steps and engaging in more moderate-to-vigorous exercise. They also lost weight, which benefits those who are overweight or have obesity.

Combining Fitbit with health coaching appears promising as well. Studies have explored how this combination can aid weight and heart health, yielding encouraging results. This approach supports healthier lifestyle habits, crucial for long-term health.

Fitbit-supported health coaching for obesity is unique because it combines wearable technology with personalized health coaching. Traditional treatments often rely on medication or surgery, but this approach focuses on behavior change and real-time feedback. The use of a Fitbit allows patients to track their activity levels and progress, while the health coach provides tailored guidance and motivation through virtual sessions. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it empowers individuals to take control of their health in a more interactive and engaging way, potentially leading to sustainable lifestyle changes.

Research has shown that using a Fitbit can help people become more active, with an average increase of about 950 steps per day. This boost in activity can improve overall health. In this trial, participants in the GLP-1/Coaching Arm will receive a Fitbit and health coaching, which has proven effective for managing weight. One study found that participants lost an average of 2.15 kg, indicating that this method can assist with weight loss goals. Even without weight loss, increased activity can benefit metabolism and heart health. This combination of technology and personal coaching appears promising for those facing challenges with being overweight or obese.¹⁴⁶⁷⁸