Researchers tested a new online program called Confident Moves that helps adults with obesity become more physically active. The program was designed to boost people’s confidence in their ability to exercise. In this early-stage study, 30 people either used the Confident Moves program or received standard care at a weight management center. The researchers tracked their activity levels, confidence, and what they thought about the program over 14 weeks. The results were promising—people who used Confident Moves showed good participation rates and seemed to like the program. This suggests the program could work well when combined with other weight management services, and researchers plan to test it more thoroughly in the future.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can an online program called Confident Moves help adults with obesity feel more confident about exercising and actually move more?
  • Who participated: 30 adults with obesity who were getting help at a weight management center in the United States. Half got the new Confident Moves program, and half got the usual care.
  • Key finding: The Confident Moves program showed promise—people who used it stayed engaged with the program, and the early results suggest it may help increase physical activity. The program also appeared to boost people’s confidence in their ability to exercise.
  • What it means for you: If you struggle with obesity and want to become more active, this program may be worth trying, especially if it’s offered at your weight management center. However, this is early research, so larger studies are still needed to confirm these benefits.

The Research Details

This was a pilot study, which means it was a small, early test of a new program before doing a bigger study. Researchers randomly divided 30 people into two groups: one group used the Confident Moves online program, and the other group received the usual care they would normally get at a weight management center. The study lasted up to 14 weeks, and researchers collected information at three different time points to track changes.

The Confident Moves program is an online tool designed to help people feel more confident about exercising. It uses science-based techniques to help people overcome barriers to physical activity and build their confidence step by step. Researchers measured how many people joined the study, how much people actually used the program, and how much their physical activity increased. They also asked people what they thought about the program to see if they liked it and found it helpful.

To measure physical activity objectively, researchers gave participants special watches called accelerometers that tracked their movement throughout the day. This is more accurate than just asking people how much they exercise, since people sometimes overestimate or forget.

Testing a new program with a small group first is important because it helps researchers figure out if the program actually works before spending time and money on a huge study. This pilot study helps identify any problems with how the program is delivered or how the study is run. It also gives researchers a rough idea of how much the program might help people, which helps them plan bigger studies.

This study was well-designed because it randomly assigned people to groups, which helps make sure the groups were similar at the start. The researchers used objective measurements of physical activity (accelerometers) rather than just asking people, which is more reliable. However, this is a small pilot study with only 30 people, so the results are preliminary. Larger studies are needed to confirm whether Confident Moves really works for more people. The study was also done at one weight management center, so results might be different in other places.

What the Results Show

The Confident Moves program met all three main success goals that researchers set before the study started. First, enough people agreed to participate in the study, showing that people are interested in trying this program. Second, people who got the program actually used it regularly, which means they found it engaging and worth their time. Third, the early results suggest that people using Confident Moves increased their physical activity more than people in the usual care group.

The program also appeared to boost people’s confidence in their ability to exercise, which was the main goal of the program. This is important because research shows that when people feel more confident about their ability to exercise, they’re more likely to actually do it. The fact that people liked the program and found it acceptable is also a good sign for future use.

The results suggest that Confident Moves can work well alongside other weight management services like meal plans and appetite-suppressing medications. This is important because people with obesity often use multiple approaches to manage their weight, and the program needs to fit into their overall care plan.

The study also looked at other outcomes, and the results were mixed. Some secondary measures met the researchers’ success thresholds, while others were in the middle range or below. This suggests that while the main program goals were met, there may be room for improvement in some areas. The researchers noted that the study procedures, how long people should use the program, and what should be measured might need adjustments before doing a larger study.

This is one of the first studies testing the Confident Moves program specifically, so there isn’t much previous research to compare it to. However, the approach used in Confident Moves—building confidence through step-by-step behavior change techniques—is based on well-established research about how people change their exercise habits. Other online programs using similar approaches have shown promise, so these results fit with what researchers expected.

This study is small with only 30 people, so the results might not apply to everyone. The study was done at one weight management center in the United States, so results might be different in other places or countries. The study only lasted 14 weeks, so we don’t know if the benefits continue over a longer time period. Additionally, this is a pilot study designed mainly to test whether the program is feasible and acceptable, not to prove it definitely works. A larger, longer study is needed to confirm the benefits.

The Bottom Line

Based on this early research, Confident Moves appears to be a promising tool for helping adults with obesity increase physical activity and build confidence in their ability to exercise. If you have obesity and are interested in becoming more active, it may be worth asking your doctor or weight management center if they offer this program. However, remember that this is early-stage research, and you should combine any online program with other healthy habits like balanced eating and regular medical check-ups. (Confidence level: Moderate—this is promising but needs larger studies to confirm.)

This program is designed for adults with obesity who want to increase their physical activity. It may be especially helpful for people who feel nervous or unsure about exercising. However, if you have serious health conditions or injuries that limit your movement, talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program. This research is still too early to recommend for children or teenagers.

In this study, researchers tracked people for up to 14 weeks. Some people may notice improvements in their confidence about exercising within a few weeks, but physical activity changes and weight changes typically take longer—usually several weeks to months. Don’t expect overnight results, but consistent use of the program combined with other healthy habits should show benefits over time.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Use your app to track daily step count or minutes of moderate activity (like brisk walking). Set a weekly goal and log your activity each day. Compare your activity levels week-to-week to see if you’re gradually increasing your movement.
  • If using Confident Moves through an app, start with small, achievable activity goals—like a 10-minute walk three times a week. As your confidence grows, gradually increase the duration or intensity. Use the app’s confidence-building features to work through any worries about exercising.
  • Check your activity data weekly and your confidence level monthly. Notice patterns—do you move more on certain days? When do you feel most confident? Use these insights to adjust your goals and celebrate small wins to keep motivation high.

This research is a small pilot study and should not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider. Before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have obesity or other health conditions, consult with your doctor. The Confident Moves program is not a substitute for medical treatment, medication, or professional weight management services. Results from this small study may not apply to everyone. Larger research studies are needed to confirm the program’s effectiveness. Always work with qualified healthcare professionals when making changes to your health routine.