Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Personalized Texting System for Restaurant Meals

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant More than two thirds of adults are considered overweight BMI andgt kg m or obese BMI andgt kg m putting annual estimates of obesity related deaths in the United States at per year The economic burdens associated with obesity are increasing with associated medical costs estimated at $ billion annually One of the most significant contributors to obesity and its co morbidities is eating away from home with meals higher in calories fat and sodium and lower in fiber and calcium compared to meals prepared in the home Military populations who live off base are particularly susceptible to these concerns as they often lack consistent access to healthy dining facilities located on base This research project explores the feasibility of implementing a text messaging system designed to encourage military populations to make healthier meal selections when dining away from home Approximately participants from the Army Reserves and Army National Guard will be recruited to engage with the text messaging system over a period of weeks Participants will receive text messages informing them of restaurants near their current location which offer dietitian recommended menu choices Once the participant has selected a restaurant the healthier menu options will be identified Before and after the implementation of the texting system participants will fill out validated questionnaires and participate in consultations with nutrition experts to assess knowledge attitudes beliefs and behaviors regarding dining out and nutrition and how these change over the course of the study The texting system will also track the participation rates and meal selections made by participants Phase II of this research program will be expanded to include tracking and assessment of other meal selections e g groceries snacks etc include voice activated meal recommendations and assess photo recognition software to assist participants in selecting more healthful options PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE Poor nutrition is a risk factor for the leading causes of preventable death in the U S including heart disease stroke cancer and diabetes These conditions are associated with increased consumption of restaurant and fast food meals specifically oversized portions and calorically dense menu items The long term goal of this project is to help reverse the upward obesity trend and reduce the diet related health risks associated with eating away from home which include low fruit and vegetable consumption and high intakes of saturated fat total fat sodium and calories This project examines the effectiveness of using an interactive text messaging system to assist diners with locating restaurants with healthier menu choices and identifying those healthy choices which are available The study also includes measures to augment participantsandapos knowledge and improve health behaviors over time