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Maintaining a healthy weight can often be a daunting task, especially when it comes to making informed dietary choices for weight loss. A research team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has introduced an innovative weight management initiative designed to aid individuals in meal planning through a web-based application and guidance from registered dietitians. Their latest study sheds light on the application’s features and its development process.
According to Manabu Nakamura, an associate professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, “The overall objective is to create an online weight loss program that serves both preventive and therapeutic purposes in clinical environments.”
The initial version of the program, known as the Individualized Dietary Improvement Program (iDip), involved in-person interactions where attendees received personalized education and feedback from registered dietitians. The program has now been transformed into EMPOWER, a fully online platform aimed at enhancing access for users, particularly those located in rural Illinois.
EMPOWER encompasses three main components: educational resources focused on nutrition, a web application that empowers users to craft meals conducive to weight loss while tracking their progress, and tailored support from registered dietitians who are available for online consultations.
“Numerous applications exist for counting calories. While a negative calorie balance can lead to weight loss, it isn’t always a healthy approach. A common pitfall is reducing calorie intake without maintaining protein levels, which can result in the loss of muscle and bone instead of fat. For effective and safe weight loss, it’s critical to consume adequate protein while reducing calories,” said Nakamura.
To address this, the team developed an interactive feature called MealPlot, which allows users to visualize the protein and fiber content in various foods.
As Ashleigh Oliveira, the lead author and doctoral student in the Division of Nutritional Sciences, explained, “Most dieting apps are primarily focused on macronutrient tracking. Our approach encourages users to seek out foods that are high in protein and fiber, aiding them in reaching their dietary goals. It shifts the focus from merely counting calories to identifying satisfying foods that help maintain muscle mass during weight loss. Foods rich in fiber also provide essential micronutrients, ensuring that users are not deprived of vital vitamins and minerals as they reduce their food intake.”
Users input their desired foods into a chart that plots their fiber and protein contents, aiming to ensure that the overall daily intake falls within a specific target range for these nutrients.
Oliveira noted, “This strategy typically results in a calorie deficit, as the foods that align with the target zone—such as lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables—are naturally more satiating. In contrast, sugary and high-fat options tend to lead to a calorie surplus and won’t align with the outlined targets.”
Importantly, the chart is designed with inclusivity in mind, meaning no foods are off limits. Users can enjoy a variety of foods as long as their total daily intake meets the established targets.
The MealPlot application is freely accessible, allowing anyone to create an account. However, to maximize its benefits, the researchers recommend collaboration with a dietitian.
“While individuals can navigate the program independently using the educational materials and meal-planning tools, those aiming to lose significant weight—over 50 or 100 pounds—should expect a journey of at least a year and require a well-structured routine. Many find initial success but may experience plateaus or setbacks later. Guidance from an experienced dietitian is essential in these scenarios,” Nakamura emphasized.
The program aims for a weight loss rate of roughly one pound per week, acknowledging that weight fluctuations are normal. Regular daily weigh-ins can help users track their overall progress effectively.
The researchers detail the evolution of the app in their study.
“The first version featured a smart scale connected to the app for automatic weight tracking, allowing us to gauge effectiveness. The next iteration introduced the protein and fiber chart for meal plotting,” Oliveira described.
The MealPlot chart utilizes data from the extensive U.S. Department of Agriculture food database, which, while thorough, was not user-friendly for participants. The research team collaborated closely with web developers to create a more intuitive interface that employed common food names and categories.
The final version of the app includes a chat function for user-dietitian interaction, as well as a dedicated platform for dietitians to log in and monitor their clients’ weight data and food entries with consent.
Currently, the team is refining the application with plans to launch the comprehensive program by spring 2026.
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