Synopsis
Researchers have introduced a new weight management program that aids individuals in meal planning through a web application, providing support from registered dietitians while tracking the fibre and protein content in meals.Key Takeaways
- Focus on high fibre and protein foods.
- Move beyond just calorie counting.
- Online support from dietitians is available.
- Interactive MealPlot feature for tracking nutrients.
- Free access to MealPlot app.
New York, Jan 26 (NationPress) Researchers have created a weight management program that aids individuals in meal planning through a web application, alongside support from a registered dietitian. This program includes tracking the fibre and protein content in meals.
Maintaining a healthy weight can be a challenge for many, and selecting the right meals for weight loss is often difficult. Most existing dieting applications function primarily as macronutrient calculators, as noted in a study published in the journal JMIR Formative Research.
“Our aim is for individuals to concentrate on identifying foods rich in protein and fibre to reach their meal objectives. It’s less about calorie counting and more about discovering foods that will satisfy our appetite and supply the necessary protein to preserve muscle mass during weight loss,” explained Ashleigh Oliveira, a doctoral student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the US.
“Foods abundant in fibre also provide essential micronutrients, ensuring we do not miss out on vital vitamins and minerals while consuming less food,” Oliveira added.
The initial version of the program, known as the Individualized Dietary Improvement Programme (iDip), was conducted in-person, where participants received education and guidance from registered dietitians.
Later, iDip was transformed into a fully online program called EMPOWER to enhance accessibility. The researchers assessed its effectiveness with participants in rural Illinois.
“The primary objective is to create an online weight loss program that can serve both preventive and therapeutic purposes in a clinical environment,” stated co-author Manabu Nakamura, associate professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and the Division of Nutritional Sciences.
EMPOWER consists of three components: educational materials on nutrition; an online application where participants can create meal plans for weight loss and track their progress; and personalized support from registered dietitians available for online consultations.
The research team introduced an interactive feature named MealPlot, which charts the protein and fibre content in various foods.
Users input the foods they wish to consume into a chart that displays their fibre and protein content. The objective is to ensure that the total food intake each day aligns with a specific protein/fibre target range.
The MealPlot application is available free of charge, and anyone can create an account; however, to maximize its benefits, collaboration with a dietitian is recommended, according to the researchers. They are currently refining the application and aim to launch the complete program by spring 2026.
