Using AI to Support Physical Activity in Obesity Care

AMES, Iowa – Regular physical activity helps people manage obesity and improves sleep, mood, and overall health. But for many adults with obesity, staying active is hard, especially when they are focused solely on weight loss.

A team of Iowa State researchers and clinical partners received a Bridging the Divide grant to address the lack of confidence to move among adults with obesity through the development of an AI-based chatbot designed specifically for adults receiving obesity care. The tool will offer personalized guidance to help patients feel more confident about moving their bodies while undergoing standard obesity treatments.

The team consists of principal investigators, Seungmin Lee, assistant professor of kinesiology and health, and Wei Le, professor of computer science, as well as Yongyeon Cho, associate professor of interior design, and Jonathan Hardersen, physician assistant at Iowa Weight Loss Specialists.