Research

Adherence

Use of a fully automated conversational AI health coach for weight loss produces weight loss and dietary improvements comparable to in-person lifestyle interventions, without requiring live human assistance.

If you are overweight or obese and struggle with access to dietitians or coaches, a fully automated AI health coach app can help you lose weight and eat healthier. The app works by having you log your meals, weight, and activity, and then receiving personalized, empathetic text-based feedback and coaching. You don't need to talk to a human; the AI guides you through goal-setting and behavior change strategies similar to in-person programs. Consistency is key: the more you engage with the app and log your meals, the more weight you are likely to lose.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
This study showed that use of an AI health coach is associated with weight loss comparable to in-person lifestyle interventions. It can also encourage behavior changes and have high user acceptability.
Natalie Stein et al. · JMIR Diabetes · 2017

Why this rating

The study is a longitudinal observational study with a small sample size (N=70) and no control group, limiting causal inference despite statistically significant correlations.

Source

A Fully Automated Conversational Artificial Intelligence for Weight Loss: Longitudinal Observational Study Among Overweight and Obese Adults

Natalie Stein et al. · JMIR Diabetes · 2017

DOI 10.2196/diabetes.8590

cohort · n=70Cited 208×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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