Researchers have created a new system called BETTER4U that automatically tracks 45 different daily behaviors and environmental factors linked to weight gain using smartphones and smartwatches. According to Gram Research analysis, this system measures eating habits, physical activity, sleep, stress, and neighborhood features without requiring people to manually report everything, enabling doctors to create personalized weight management plans based on real-world data rather than guesswork.
Researchers have created a new system called BETTER4U that uses smartphones and smartwatches to quietly track daily behaviors linked to weight gain, like eating habits, physical activity, sleep, and stress. Instead of asking people to write down everything they do, the system automatically collects information from phones and watches to give doctors and health experts a complete picture of what might be causing weight problems. According to Gram Research analysis, this approach makes it easier for healthcare professionals to understand obesity without burdening patients with constant reporting, paving the way for personalized weight management plans based on real-world data.
Key Statistics
The BETTER4U research project identified 36 behavioral indicators and 9 environmental indicators that can be automatically measured through smartphones and smartwatches to track obesity-related factors, according to a 2026 research article published in Obesity Reviews.
The BETTER4U system is designed to work with standard consumer devices like iPhones, Android phones, and common smartwatches, making objective obesity tracking accessible without requiring expensive specialized equipment, as described in the 2026 research framework.
The BETTER4U measurement system captures data across five key areas: physical activity, sleep patterns, eating behaviors, stress levels, and living environment characteristics, providing a comprehensive profile of factors contributing to weight gain.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How smartphones and smartwatches can automatically track daily behaviors and home environments that contribute to weight gain, without requiring people to manually report everything.
- Who participated: This is a foundational research project that developed the tracking system. The actual testing will happen in upcoming studies with people who are overweight or have obesity.
- Key finding: Researchers created 36 behavioral indicators and 9 environmental indicators that phones and watches can measure automatically, capturing information about eating, exercise, sleep, stress, and living conditions.
- What it means for you: In the future, your doctor or health coach could use an app on your phone to understand your daily habits and create a personalized weight loss plan based on real data about how you actually live, rather than guessing or relying on your memory.
The Research Details
The BETTER4U project is a European research initiative that created a new measurement system for tracking obesity-related behaviors. Instead of asking people to remember and report what they ate or how much they exercised, the system uses technology already in most people’s pockets: smartphones and smartwatches. These devices have sensors that can detect movement, location, and usage patterns without invading privacy or requiring constant manual input.
The researchers identified 45 different measurements (called indicators) that can be automatically collected and analyzed. These include physical activity levels, sleep patterns, eating behaviors, stress levels, and details about a person’s living environment like neighborhood walkability or access to parks. The system transforms raw sensor data into meaningful information that doctors and nutritionists can understand and use.
This work is part of a larger European Union research program. The team is now testing these indicators in real-world studies with actual patients to make sure the measurements are accurate and useful before rolling out the full system.
Traditional obesity research requires people to keep detailed diaries or answer surveys, which is time-consuming, often inaccurate (people forget or underestimate), and burdensome for study participants. By automating data collection through phones and watches, researchers can gather much more detailed and honest information about daily life. This allows for better understanding of what actually causes weight problems in individual people, leading to more effective, personalized treatment plans.
This is a foundational research paper that describes the development and design of a measurement system, not yet a full clinical trial with results. The work is backed by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, a major research funding initiative, which indicates rigorous scientific review. The system is being tested in upcoming clinical trials (including one registered at ClinicalTrials.gov), which will provide evidence about whether these measurements actually work in real patients. The indicators were selected based on scientific literature and expert input from nutritionists, exercise specialists, and healthcare professionals.
What the Results Show
The BETTER4U team successfully identified and designed 45 specific measurements that smartphones and smartwatches can automatically track. These measurements fall into two categories: behavioral indicators (36 total) that track what people do daily, and environmental indicators (9 total) that measure features of a person’s surroundings.
The behavioral measurements include things like how much someone moves throughout the day, sleep quality and duration, eating patterns, stress levels, and social interactions. The environmental measurements capture information about neighborhood characteristics, access to parks or gyms, food availability, and other features of where someone lives that might influence weight.
The system is designed to work with regular consumer devices like iPhones and Android phones, plus common smartwatches. This means the technology doesn’t require expensive specialized equipment. The researchers created a framework that can be adjusted based on different needs: healthcare providers can use all 45 measurements or select just the ones most relevant to a particular patient.
The research describes how the BETTER4U system will feed information into an artificial intelligence model that can identify connections between behaviors, environment, and weight outcomes. This AI component could eventually help predict which interventions (like dietary changes or exercise programs) would work best for individual patients. The system is designed to work in multiple ways: as a dashboard for healthcare professionals, as an app interface for patients, and as a research tool for studying obesity at a larger scale.
Previous obesity research has relied heavily on self-reported data, which is often inaccurate because people forget details or underestimate their eating and activity levels. Some studies have used wearable devices, but the BETTER4U system is more comprehensive, combining multiple types of sensors and environmental data into one coordinated framework. This represents an advancement in how researchers can objectively measure the complex factors contributing to weight gain.
This paper describes the design of a measurement system, not actual results from patients. The real test of whether these indicators work will come from upcoming clinical trials. The system relies on people carrying their phones and wearing smartwatches, which means some people may not participate fully or consistently. Privacy considerations are important: while the system is designed to minimize invasive data collection, people need to trust that their personal information is protected. The indicators were developed primarily for use in Europe, so they may need adjustment for different cultures or living environments.
The Bottom Line
This research is foundational work that will support future obesity treatment programs. Healthcare providers should watch for the BETTER4U app and system as it becomes available, as it may offer a more objective way to track progress and personalize weight management plans. For now, people interested in weight management can benefit from manually tracking their own activity, sleep, and eating patterns using existing fitness apps, which follows the same principle of understanding daily behaviors. Confidence level: High for the measurement system design; evidence for actual patient benefit will come from upcoming clinical trials.
This research is most relevant to people with obesity or overweight who want personalized help managing their weight, healthcare providers treating weight-related conditions, nutritionists and fitness professionals, and researchers studying obesity. It’s less immediately relevant to people at a healthy weight, though the principles could apply to general health tracking. The system is being developed in Europe but could eventually be used worldwide.
The BETTER4U system is currently in testing phases. A pilot study is underway, and a larger clinical trial is planned. It will likely be several years before the system is widely available to the general public through healthcare providers. In the meantime, similar tracking using existing apps can provide some of the same benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can my phone track my eating habits without me telling it what I ate?
The BETTER4U system uses phone sensors to detect patterns like meal timing, location history (restaurants, grocery stores), and app usage. Combined with smartwatch data on activity and stress, it builds a profile of eating behaviors. The system doesn’t identify specific foods but recognizes patterns in when and where eating typically occurs.
Will this app invade my privacy by tracking everything I do?
The BETTER4U system is specifically designed to minimize privacy concerns by using passive monitoring that doesn’t require constant manual reporting or access to personal content. The researchers built privacy protections into the framework, though users must consent to data collection. Specific privacy details will be available when the app launches.
When will I be able to use the BETTER4U app to manage my weight?
The BETTER4U system is currently in testing phases with pilot studies underway. A larger clinical trial is planned to verify the measurements work in real patients. Based on typical research timelines, the system could become available through healthcare providers within 2 to 3 years, though this depends on trial results.
How is this different from fitness apps I already use?
Existing fitness apps require you to manually log activities and meals. BETTER4U automatically collects data from your phone and watch sensors, then uses artificial intelligence to identify patterns and connections between your behaviors, environment, and weight. This provides more comprehensive, objective insights without manual effort.
Can this system help me lose weight faster than traditional dieting?
The BETTER4U system is designed to help identify which specific behaviors and environmental factors affect your weight, enabling personalized interventions. This targeted approach may be more effective than generic diets, but actual weight loss still depends on making behavioral changes. Clinical trials will determine how much this system improves weight loss outcomes.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily step count, active minutes, sleep duration, and meal times using your phone’s built-in health app or a fitness app. Record stress levels on a scale of 1 to 10 each evening. This mirrors the types of data the BETTER4U system will automatically collect.
- Set a specific daily step goal (like 8,000 steps) and use your phone’s step counter to monitor progress. Schedule regular meal times and log them in a food app. Track sleep by setting consistent bedtimes. These behaviors directly align with the indicators the BETTER4U system measures.
- Review your tracked data weekly to identify patterns: Which days do you move more? How does sleep affect your eating choices? When is stress highest? Use these patterns to make small adjustments. As the BETTER4U app becomes available, it will automate this analysis and provide personalized insights based on your unique patterns.
This article describes a research framework and measurement system currently in development. The BETTER4U system has not yet been validated in large-scale clinical trials with patients. Results from ongoing pilot and clinical trials will determine the actual effectiveness of these indicators for weight management. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Anyone seeking weight loss treatment should consult with their healthcare provider about evidence-based options currently available. The BETTER4U system will require medical supervision and professional guidance when it becomes available.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.