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 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.

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