Maintaining a healthy weight obtained a high -tech update. Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbano-Champaign have developed Empower, an innovative online program that makes weight loss more intelligent and more accessible, Ians reported. Unlike traditional diet applications that focus on the calorie counting, this program emphasizes meal planning around proteins and fiber to increase satiety and muscle retention while the weight is reduced. The weight management program helps people plan meals with the help of a web application and the support of a registered dietitian.
Many people struggle to maintain a healthy weight, and choose optimal meals for weight loss can be a challenge. Most available diet applications are generally macronutrient calculators, according to the study published in the JMIR Formative Research magazine.
“But we want people to concentrate on finding foods that have a high density of protein and fiber to take them to their food goals. It is less about counting calories and more of finding foods that satisfy us and provide the protein we need to maintain muscle mass as we lose weight, ”said Ashleight Oliveira, a doctoral student from the University of Illinois Urbano-Champaign in The United States.
“Foods that have a high fiber content also have all the micronutrients we need, so we are not missing vitamins and minerals, since we are eating less food,” added Oliveira.
The first iteration of the program, the individualized dietary improvement program (IDIP), was a program in person where participants received education and comments from registered dietitians. Subsequently, IDIP became a totally online program, empower, to increase accessibility. The researchers tested the effectiveness of the program with individuals in the rural areas of Illinois.
Empower has three components: educational materials on nutrition; An online application where participants can design meals to lose weight and monitor their progress; and personalized support of registered dietitians, which are available for online chats.
The research team developed Mealtploot, an interactive feature that traces proteins and food fiber content. People enter the foods they want to eat in a graph that traces fiber and protein content. The objective is to ensure that the general food intake of each day is within a specific range of protein/fiber target.
The meal application is available for free and anyone can register for an account, but to obtain the full benefit, they must work with a dietitian, the researchers said. Researchers are now adjusting the application and plan to launch the full program for spring 2026.
This tool could redefine how we address weight loss and healthy eating. Whether it aims to lose weight or simply eat intelligently, this application, combined with expert dietary support, could be the change of game you have been waiting for.
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