iDip weight loss trials
Individualized Diet Improvement Program (iDip) for sustainable weight loss has been the main project of our lab. The underlying principle of this program is self-empowerment of participants by helping them make an informed decision in food choices. To achieve this goal, the program extensively employs quantitative, visual feedback.
The specific objectives of the project are:
Achieve safe, 1-2 lb/week weight loss by creating a diet of their liking without relying on dieting products or strict recipes to follow- Establish a sustainable diet/life style change during weight loss for subsequent weight maintenance
- Permanently reverse comorbidities resulting from overweight
- Develop a program that is cost effective and scalable for broader reach
Lee, M.H., et al., A feasibility study to test a novel approach to dietary weight loss with a focus on assisting informed decision making in food selection. PLOS ONE, 2022. 17(5): p. e0267876.
Developing Protein-Fiber Plot
The Protein-Fiber plot (PF Plot) was developed as a tool for visualizing quantitative nutrient values in foods or meals. A two-dimensional display enables customers to easily compare meals to make an informed choice. When a restaurant menu was displayed as the PF Plot format, customers were able to choose healthier items, whereas providing the same information in numerical tables had no effect at all.
Left: Visualization of nutrient values for easy comparison between foods.
Pratt NS et al. Improvements in recall and food choices using a graphical method to deliver information of select nutrients. Nutr Res 36:44-56, 2016
