New York: A team of researchers has created a weight management program aimed at helping individuals plan meals using a web application combined with support from registered dietitians. This program focuses on tracking fiber and protein content in meals to aid healthy weight loss.
According to the study published in JMIR Formative Research, many people struggle to maintain a healthy weight, often finding it challenging to select optimal meals. Most dieting apps currently available function primarily as macronutrient calculators. However, the newly developed program emphasizes finding foods rich in protein and fiber to support weight loss goals.
“We want people to focus on foods with a high density of protein and fiber to achieve their meal goals. It's not just about counting calories but selecting foods that satisfy hunger and provide essential nutrients,” said Ashleigh Oliveira, a doctoral student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Foods high in fiber are nutrient-dense and supply vital micronutrients, ensuring that individuals do not miss out on essential vitamins and minerals while reducing calorie intake, Oliveira explained.
The program's initial version, the Individualized Dietary Improvement Program (iDip), was conducted in person, providing participants with personalized education and feedback from dietitians. To enhance accessibility, researchers later transitioned the program to a fully online format called EMPOWER. The program was tested among individuals in rural Illinois, with promising results.
“The ultimate goal is to create an online weight loss program that can serve both preventive and clinical purposes,” said co-author Manabu Nakamura, associate professor at the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and the Division of Nutritional Sciences.
EMPOWER consists of three core components: educational materials about nutrition, an online app for meal planning and progress tracking, and personalized support from registered dietitians through online chats.
A key feature of the program is MealPlot, an interactive tool that helps users track the protein and fiber content of their food. By entering their meals into a chart, users can ensure that their daily intake meets specific protein and fiber target ranges.
MealPlot is freely available to all, but the researchers recommend working with a dietitian for maximum benefit. The team is refining the application and plans to launch the full EMPOWER program by spring 2026.