Using Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Delivery of Weight Loss Treatment

Project ReLearn is testing the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of an Artificial Intelligence system for optimizing weight loss coaching. Participants are randomized to a 1-year weekly gold standard behavioral weight loss remote (video) group treatment or the AI-optimized treatment, which is made up of a combination of remote group treatment, short video call and automated message. In the AI-optimized condition, the system monitors outcomes (via wireless scale, mobile phone app, and wristworn tracker) and, each week, assigns each participant the treatments they have responding to the best, within certain time constraints.

Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals must be of overweight or obese BMI (27-50 kg/m) * Individuals must be adults (aged 18-70) * Able and willing to engage in the remote program * Able to engage in physical activity (defined as walking two city blocks without stopping) * Individuals must also provide consent for the research team to contact their personal physician if necessary, to provide clearance or to consult about rapid weight loss * Access and willingness to use an Apple or Android smartphone * Satisfactory completion of all enrollment procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Medical condition (e.g., cancer, type I diabetes, psychosis, full-threshold eating disorder) that may pose a risk to the participant during intervention or cause a change in weight * Currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant in the next 12 months * Recently began or changed the dosage of medication that can cause significant change in weight * History of bariatric surgery * Weight loss of \> 5% in the previous 3 months