Many individuals find it challenging to keep a healthy weight, particularly when it comes to selecting the right meals for weight loss. A team of researchers has created a weight management program that utilizes a web application alongside guidance from a registered dietitian to assist people in meal planning. Their recent study highlights the features, development, and execution of this app.
Many individuals find it challenging to keep a healthy weight, particularly when it comes to selecting the right meals for weight loss. A research group at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has launched a weight management program that guides individuals in planning meals through a web application and advice from registered dietitians. In a recent study, they elaborate on the app’s features, development process, and implementation.
“Our main objective is to create an online weight loss program that serves both preventive and therapeutic purposes in clinical settings,” stated co-author Manabu Nakamura, an associate professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Illinois’ College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
The original version of the program, known as the Individualized Dietary Improvement Program (iDip), was conducted in person with participants receiving guidance and feedback from registered dietitians. This program has since transitioned into a fully online format called EMPOWER to enhance accessibility. The research team evaluated the program’s effectiveness with participants in rural Illinois.
EMPOWER consists of three main elements: educational resources on nutrition; an online application where users can create meals geared towards weight loss and track their progress; and tailored support from registered dietitians, who are available for online consultations.
“While there are many existing apps for tracking calories, a negative calorie balance can lead to weight loss but isn’t always healthy. The most detrimental aspect of reducing calorie intake is also decreasing protein consumption. This leads to a loss of muscle and bone mass rather than just fat. For effective and safe weight loss, one needs to focus on increasing protein intake while reducing calories,” explained Nakamura.
This concern led the research team to create MealPlot, an interactive tool that illustrates the protein and fiber content of various foods.
“Many diet apps primarily function as macronutrient calculators. Our aim is to encourage users to seek out foods with high protein and fiber density to achieve their meal goals. It shifts the focus away from merely counting calories, emphasizing instead the importance of finding foods that are satisfying and provide essential protein to preserve muscle mass during weight loss. Additionally, high-fiber foods contain vital micronutrients, ensuring we still get necessary vitamins and minerals even with reduced food intake,” stated lead author Ashleigh Oliveira, a doctoral student in DNS.
Users input their desired foods into the chart that plots out protein and fiber levels. The aim is to ensure daily food intake aligns with specific protein and fiber target ranges.
“Using this method usually results in a calorie deficit for most people because the foods within the target area tend to be more filling, such as lean meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. In contrast, foods high in sugar or fat typically lead to a calorie surplus and would not fall within the target area,” Oliveira highlighted.
Importantly, the chart is designed with an inclusion approach, meaning no foods are restricted. Individuals can eat what they prefer, provided their overall daily intake meets the set targets.
The MealPlot app is available for free, and anyone can create an account; however, the researchers recommend working with a dietitian for optimal results.
“Individuals can utilize the program independently by studying the provided educational content and using the meal planning chart. However, for weight loss of over 50 or 100 pounds, it’s typically a year-long commitment that requires establishing a routine. People may find initial success, but it’s common for weight loss to plateau or reverse. Hence, having guidance from an experienced dietitian is often essential for starting a journey toward significant weight loss,” said Nakamura.
The program aims for a weight loss rate of one pound per week, although fluctuations are expected, so regular daily weighing is advised to track trends, he added.
The researchers detail the steps taken during the app’s development in their paper.
“During the initial phase, participants were provided with a smart scale that linked to the app, automatically recording their weight in the weight chart so we could observe the system’s functionality. In the next phase, we introduced the protein and fiber chart for meal plotting,” Oliveira explained.
The MealPlot chart utilized the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s comprehensive food database, originally designed for research purposes, which included less intuitive search terms for participants. The team collaborated extensively with web developers to refine the platform, incorporating commonly recognized food names and categories.
The latest version of the app now includes a chat feature, allowing users to communicate with dietitians. There is also a dedicated platform for dietitians, enabling them to monitor their clients’ weight charts and dietary records with permission.
The researchers are currently making final adjustments to the application, with plans to officially launch the full program by spring 2026.
