Innovative interventions are crucial for addressing global healthcare burdens related to obesity and mental health. Therefore, this project will explore the interplay between diet, obesity, mental health, and the gut microbiome through a 12-week digital intervention study. The primary aim is to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a dietary intervention on weight loss and mental well-being in obese individuals, while also investigating the gut microbiome's role.

The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet is particularly interesting due to its potential to improve weight loss and mental well-being.

The pilot study involves 126 obese men and women randomly assigned to intervention or control groups who will utilize a meal planning smartphone app.

Clinical visits will assess anthropometry, mental health questionnaires, dietary recalls, and stool sample collection for gut microbiome analysis.

Endpoints include program retention, adherence, changes in body weight, mental well-being, and gut microbiome diversity.

Statistical analyses will assess intervention effects and potential mediating roles of the gut microbiome.

Long-term plans involve a large-scale intervention study in Sweden, Italy, and the US where we have ongoing collaborations. Potential industrial benefits include insights for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and digital health companies.

The research team, led by Dr. Gianluca Tognon (Högskolan i Skövde) in collaboration with Prof. Deborah Gustafson (New York State University, USA), includes experts in public health, neurology, psychiatry, dietetics, and statistics. The timeline spans two years.

This project will provide insights into novel interventions targeting the gut-brain axis to address the dual burden of obesity and mental health disorders, with potential implications for public health and industry.