RecruitingInterventional

Real-world exploration of digital innovation for managing excess weight

This study, called RENEW, explores if a digital app can help people manage their weight as effectively and fairly as current NHS services. Many people in the UK struggle with obesity, which can lead to other health problems like heart disease and diabetes, and current services often have long waiting lists. Researchers want to see if this app, called Roczen, helps people lose weight, saves money for the NHS, and reaches more different groups of patients. If you're an adult already accepted into the NHS South East London Tier 3 weight management program, you might be able to take part. The study involves using the Roczen app for 12 months, with no expected risks and the potential benefit of free app access and helping to improve future weight management services for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Enrolment target

1,990

Start

30 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Specialty: General Practice, Primary sub-specialty: General Practice; Health Category: Cancer and neoplasms, Cardiovascular, Metabolic and Endocrine, Oral and Gastrointestinal, Stroke; Disease/Condition: Obesity and other hyperalimentation

What is this study about?

This research project, called RENEW, is all about finding better ways to help people in the UK manage their weight. Being very overweight, or having obesity, is quite common and can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers. The NHS is working hard to help, but many areas have long waiting lists or not enough services, and some programs don't work as well for all communities.

The main aim of this study is to see if digital health tools, like mobile apps, could be a good solution. The researchers want to find out if using an app for weight management can be just as helpful as the standard care people currently receive. They'll be looking to see if it helps people lose weight, saves money for the NHS, makes patients feel better about their care, and importantly, helps more different kinds of people get access to support.

This study will help us understand if technology can make it easier for many more people to get the help they need to improve their health. The results could lead to new and better options for weight management across the country in the future.

Key takeaways

Looks at how well a weight management app (Roczen) works.
Aims to improve access to weight loss support across the UK.
Focuses on adults in the South East London NHS Tier 3 program.
Involves using the free Roczen app for one year.
No expected risks, but potential benefits for future care for everyone.

Who may be eligible?

To join the main part of this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who has been referred by your GP to the South East London Tier 3 weight management pathway and accepted by the Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust Tier 3 service.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, you must have a smartphone, be able to read and speak English, and be willing to give your permission to be part of the study. You also can't take part if you have an eating disorder, have had weight-loss surgery, have certain thyroid problems, or have Type 1 diabetes, especially if you're on insulin or certain other medications that could cause low blood sugar.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been referred by your GP to the South East London Tier 3 weight management service?
Have you been accepted by the Guy's and St Thomas' Tier 3 service?
Do you have and use a smartphone?
Can you read, write, and speak English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you're eligible and decide to take part, the study asks you to use a special app called Roczen for 12 months. This app is designed to help with weight management. There are no extra hospital visits or special medical procedures involved beyond what you'd normally have for your weight management care. The total duration of your active involvement with the app will be one year.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is that you'll get free access to the Roczen weight management app for a full year. Your participation will also help doctors and researchers understand if digital programs are a good way to help people manage their weight, potentially leading to better services for everyone in the future. The study team doesn't expect any risks from taking part, as it involves using a digital app. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, England

Common questions

What is 'obesity'?

Obesity means a person is very overweight with a lot of body fat, which can impact their health.

What is the Roczen app?

Roczen is an app-based digital program designed to help people manage their weight.

How long will I use the app?

You will use the Roczen app for 12 months if you take part in the study.

Who is paying for this study?

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK is funding the study.

Can anyone join this study?

No, you must be an adult already accepted into the NHS South East London Tier 3 weight management program.

How to find out more

Andrew Walker

andrew.walker8@nhs.net +44 020 7848 7295 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.