Piloting a Generative Artificial Intelligence Chatbot in a Mobile Weight Loss Program

At baseline, 20 young adults, ages 18-39, with overweight or obesity, will be randomized to either the AGILE or AGILE + Chatbot group. Participants in both groups will receive a 12-week mobile behavioral weight loss intervention (AGILE) delivered via the study smartphone application. The weight loss intervention includes weekly evidence-based lessons; personalized goals; self-monitoring of diet, activity, and weight; weekly tailored feedback on progress; and brief, tailored messages 1-2 times per day displayed in the study smartphone app. Participants in the AGILE group will receive no additional program features. Participants in the AGILE + Chatbot group will have a version of the smartphone app with an integrated chatbot. The chatbot will be available for brief conversations 1-2 times per day. Assessments will occur at baseline and 12 weeks.