Healthy Living Research Center

The Healthy Living Research Center is the research arm of the Healthy Living Center. We conduct translational research to understand the motivational and psychological mechanisms that drive health behavior change.

Research Underway

Two of our ongoing research projects are aimed at assessing the impact of incorporating a “Virtual Clinician” into patient counseling and how this might help promote lasting healthy lifestyle changes. The Virtual Clinician is a web-based counseling module that utilizes a clinician avatar to educate and counsel patients on important health topics.

Currently, we offering and studying two “Virtual Clinician” programs:

The Virtual Look AHEAD Program for diabetes management is based on the guidelines of the Look AHEAD program. Look AHEAD is a program that has been shown to help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight and be more physically active. The purpose of the study is to test whether a program can be effectively delivered to help those with type 2 diabetes lose weight by developing healthier eating habits and by engaging in regular physical activity.

If you have type 2 diabetes and are looking for a program to help you lose weight and control your blood sugar this study may be for you. Participants will be paid up to $100.00 for completing all study activities.

To learn more about this study and how to sign up visit Virtual Look AHEAD Program for diabetes management.

Our second Virtual Clinician program is designed to help those with high cholesterol. The Interactive Cholesterol Advisory Tool study aims to show that health information and education can be effectively delivered online, via computer to those who have problems with high cholesterol.

If you have high cholesterol are not on astatin you may be interested in this study which will aim provide health information and counseling regarding this medical condition. Participants will be paid up to $150.00 for completing all study activities.

To learn more about this study and how to sign up visit Interactive Cholesterol Advisory Tool