BETTER4U - an EU-funded project
BETTER4U (Preventing obesity through Biologically and bEhaviorally Tailored inTERventions for you) is a four-year Horizon Europe-funded project (2023-2027) that aims to address and reverse overweight and obesity in adults with the support from AI-based interventions.
Over the past few decades, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has led to a global epidemic, responsible for over 2.8 million deaths annually, with 1.2 million occurring in Europe alone (WHO).
To understand obesity, all determinants must be considered. These include well-established factors like genetics, eating patterns, physical activity, and sleep routines, as well as often overlooked aspects such as socioeconomic conditions.
The BETTER4U project examines the causes of weight gain in the general adult population and within specific marginalized groups from a multifactorial perspective. By doing so, the project aims to develop a tailored, evidence-based digital intervention empowering individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Thus, BETTER4U will:
- Conduct in-depth analyses of parameters potentially linked to the development of obesity, such as genetics, microbiome, socio-economic factors, geography, culture, and lifestyle.
- Develop and test an individualized intervention using technology-assisted real-time monitoring and tools (app and smartwatch). These tools will be powered by AI models trained on data from pilot studies.
- Identify implementation barriers, facilitators, and outcomes with the aim of developing obesity prevention guidelines, applying a person-centered care approach.
The BETTER4U project consortium includes 28 partners from across Europe, Israel, and Australia. This diverse collaboration brings together health and technology researchers, legal and communication experts, and representatives from the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO).
Karolinska Institutet is one of the seven clinical sites responsible for conducting the pilot and evaluation studies, working in collaboration with Harokopio University of Athens (HUA)—which also coordinates the project—alongside Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Universidad de Navarra (UNAV), Uniwersytet SWPS (SWPS), Centro de Estudos e Investigação em Dinâmicas Sociais e Saúde (CEIDSS), Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Rhône-Alpes (CRNH RA), and the University of Cyprus (UCY).
Better4All – a study assessing digital support in weight management
Better4All is a randomized controlled trial conducted within the BETTER4U project. The aim of Better4All is to test and evaluate the effectiveness of digital personalized support for adults with overweight or obesity. The intervention is delivered using digital tools (an app and a smartwatch) in combination with individual consultations with a trained health coach. The intervention group will be guided by AI-supported lifestyle recommendations to set up appropriate goals for lifestyle modifications.
Do you want to participate in Better4All?
You can take part if you:
• Are 18–65 years old
• Have a BMI ≥ 25 [BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²]
• Own an Android smartphone
• Can read and understand Swedish or English
You cannot participate if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, take medication promoting weight loss or increasing your weight or have a condition that prevents safe participation.
What does participation involve?
- A free 6-month lifestyle support programme for weight management
- Providing biological samples (blood and stool)
- Using a Garmin smartwatch and mobile app to track lifestyle data
- Completing short lifestyle and health questionnaires
- Attending 5 visits with health professionals (one may be remote), plus one follow-up visit at 12 months.
Practical details
Location: Karolinska Institutet – Solna or Flemingsberg
Start: March 2026
As a thank you for participating, we are offering a gift certificate of 600 SEK
(200 SEK for visit V0, V4 and V5).
How do I get more information about the study?
Before signing up, please read the study information:
We will get back to you with more information once we have received your registration.
The study is funded by the EU, and Karolinska Institutet is responsible for conducting the study in Sweden. The study has been reviewed and approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Board.
Contacts
E-mail us: B4U-medh@ki.se