Optimizing Goal Difficulty in a Digital Weight Loss Intervention: The Ignite Pilot Randomized Trial

Goal setting is a key component in behavioral weight loss interventions. Goal setting theory emphasizes having harder goals rather than easier goals. However, few studies have experimentally manipulated goal difficulty levels in digital weight loss interventions. Further, when multiple goals are assigned, it is unclear if harder goals are effective or too overwhelming.

Ignite was a pilot optimization trial guided by the Multiphase Optimization Strategy. A 2⁴ factorial design was used to randomize 32 participants (U.S. adults with overweight or obesity) to either an easier or harder goal for four goal domains: calories, steps, eating windows, and Red Zone Foods (i.e., high-calorie, low-nutrition foods). All participants received a 10-week fully digital weight loss intervention with daily self-monitoring of goals, weekly lessons, action plans, and feedback. Data were collected via digital tools (daily) and surveys (baseline, 4-, 10 weeks); feasibility and acceptability were assessed descriptively, while proof of concept was assessed via linear mixed models. Findings were compared to a priori benchmarks.

Participants had a mean (SD) age of 47.7 (13.3) years and BMI of 30.1 (3.8) kg/m² and 47% racial/ethnic minority. Feasibility and acceptability benchmarks were largely met, with high engagement, 94% retention (30/32) at 10 weeks, and 97% recommending the program. For proof of concept, the 3%, but not 5%, weight loss benchmark was met (mean (SD) -3.3 (2.5) kg, or -4.0% (3.6%) at 10 weeks). Participants with a harder calorie goal had greater weight loss than those with an easier calorie goal (difference: -2.3 kg [95% CI, -4.1, -0.6 kg]). No main effects were observed for other goals.

With high feasibility of study procedures, high engagement, and moderate-to-high acceptability, the intervention needs only minor refinements prior to proceeding to a fully powered trial testing the efficacy of easier versus harder goals for weight loss.

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05715242. Registered on February 6, 2023.