The 100 Times 2 Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Behavioural change and weight reduction programme via the Slimpodapp: A Randomised Controlled Trial – The 100 Times 2 Study
IRAS ID
324633
Contact name
Adrian Heald
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
1.0, Slimpod
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This clinical trial is anchored in a therapeutic model that leverages insights from neuroscience, behavioural science, the science of habit, positive psychology, and unconscious persuasion principles, particularly those highlighted by Professor Robert Cialdini. Inspired by Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking Fast and Slow," which categorises human cognition into two systems—fast, intuitive thinking and slow, deliberative thinking—the study acknowledges that despite a general belief in our rational capabilities, a substantial portion of human actions are driven by unconscious processes and emotional responses. This understanding of the dual-process model elucidates the susceptibility of humans to cognitive biases and 'rules of thumb' that significantly influencedecision-making.
Incorporating ideas from "Nudge" by Thaler and Sunstein, this study aims to examine the effectiveness of subtle behavioural cues, or nudges, in shaping decisions without restricting choice. Specifically, it explores the use of priming, a technique of unconscious persuasion, to modify individual dietary habits. Priming involves tactically directing attention towards behaviours and cues that align with specific goals while minimising attention to behaviours that detract from these goals. This approach is designed to alter self-perception and actions related to food consumption, utilising the cognitive bias that expects continued experiences to persist, thereby potentially transforming an individual’s eating patterns.
The study particularly targets individuals with problematic relationships to food, where negative eating behaviours contribute to a cycle of helplessness and loss of control. By implementing a strategy of positive priming, the intent is to disrupt this cycle and instil a belief in participants that they have the capacity to initiate and maintain dietary changes. This intervention seeks not only to improve immediate dietary behaviours but also to promote a sustainable cycle of positive actions and enhanced personal agency. The trial will rigorously evaluate the impact of priming on long-term changes in food-related behaviours and attitudes, offering a structured assessment of how subtle cognitive influences, or nudges, can be utilised to promote healthier lifestyle choices.
Given the paucity of evidence there is a need for randomised controlled trials (RCT) assessing the effectiveness of interventions that draw on these principles. We have preliminary data from a pilot study in 82 overweight adults that showed mean weight loss in the intervention group of 1.7kg at 12 weeks and 4.3kg at 24-weeks compared to 0.6kg and 1.2kg in the control group. Statistically significant differences in weight loss were found between the intervention and control groups at 24-weeks (p<0.001).
We here aim to test out the intervention in a full RCT.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
25/SS/0010
Date of REC Opinion
2 May 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Unfavourable Opinion