J. Graham Thomas, PhD, is a Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the Brown Alpert Medical School and Associate Director of the Weight Control & Diabetes Research Center of The Miriam Hospital. His research is focused on the use of digital health technology, engineering-inspired methodologies for treatment optimization and delivery (e.g., JITAI, MOST), and advanced analytics to better understand and improve health behaviors, particularly those related to obesity. Dr. Thomas has been awarded grants from the NIH and other organizations to use a variety of mobile and online technologies for these purposes, including virtual reality and mobile sensors. Recent multidisciplinary collaborations include a focus on dissemination and implementation of validated treatment approaches in routine clinical care settings, treatment approaches that address weight stigma, and community-engaged research. Dr. Thomas is former Chair of The Obesity Society eHealth/mHealth Section. He is also a research mentor within the Brown University Clinical Psychology Training Consortium and Associate Director of the T32 in Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine research training at The Miriam Hospital. 

R01 DK137423     Thomas, Hekler & Rivera (PIs)      09/15/2023 - 06/30/2028
Source: NIH/NIDDK $3,333,430
Control Systems Engineering to Address the Problem of Weight Loss Maintenance: A System Identification Experiment to Model Behavioral & Psychosocial Factors Measured by Ecological Momentary Assessment
A system identification experiment will model behavioral and psychosocial influences on weight loss maintenance and test four interventions targeting the behavioral and psychosocial system.
Role: Principal Investigator

R01 DK133264     Sarwer & Bradley (PIs)      09/01/2023 - 05/31/2028
Source: NIH/NIDDK $3,462,380
Evaluation of a Remotely-delivered Behavioral Intervention for Post-bariatric Surgery Weight Regain
This study involves testing the efficacy of a novel psychotherapeutic intervention, delivered remotely, to reverse weight regain and maintain the health benefits of bariatric surgery.
Role: Co-Investigator

R01 CA227839     Zhu & Sazonov (PIs)      08/26/2022 - 07/31/2026
Source: NIH/NCI $1,169,940
SCH: Wearable Sensing and Visual Analytics to Estimate Receptivity to Just-in-time Interventions for Eating Behavior
Sensor technology is used to study the food environment and eating behaviors that influence dietary intake and quality, and how they relate to just-in-time intervention receptivity.
Role: Co-Investigator

R01 DK132210     Goldstein (PI)      05/01/2022 - 04/30/2027
Source: NIH/NIDDK $3,373,340
Using Multimodal Real-time Assessment to Phenotype Dietary Non-adherence Behaviors that Contribute to Poor Outcomes in Behavioral Obesity Treatment
This project applies a multi-level analysis approach to ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data to phenotype non-adherence behaviors in behavioral obesity treatment.
Role: Co-Investigator

R34 MH127180     Steinglass & Attia (PIs)      07/08/2021 - 06/30/2024
Source: NIH/NIMH $861,879
Optimizing Relapse Prevention and Changing Habits (REACH+) in Anorexia Nervosa
This project uses the Multiphase Optimization STrategy (MOST) framework to optimize Relapse Prevention and Changing Habits (REACH+), a mechanism-based intervention for relapse prevention treatment of anorexia nervosa.
Role: Co-Investigator

R21 DA052133     Abrantes (PI)      04/01/2021 - 03/31/2023
Source: NIH/NIDA $484,598
Examining Highly Palatable Food Consumption upon Initiation of Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is used to answer the question of whether highly palatable food consumption during early methadone maintenance treatment is beneficial or detrimental to risk for returning to illicit opioid use.
Role: Co-Investigator

R01 HL153543     Goldstein (PI)      08/01/2020 - 05/31/2024
Source: NIH/NIDDK $2,911,692
Optimizing Just-in-time Adaptive Intervention to Improve Dietary Adherence in Behavioral Obesity Treatment: A Micro-randomized Trial
A micro-randomized trial will be conducted to empirically optimize a just-in-time adaptive intervention that monitors risk and intervenes on lapses as needed.
Role: Co-Investigator

R01 DK122473      Sazonov & Thomas (PIs)      09/01/2019 - 05/31/2023
Source: NIH/NIDDK $2,645,732
Sensor-based Just-in-time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIS) Targeting Eating Behavior
This two-phase project will first collect data from an Automatic Ingestion Monitor to train a machine learning algorithm that can predict a given individual's usual pattern of eating. Next, two interventions designed to limit to total energy intake and rate of eating will be tested.
Role: Principal Investigator

R01 HL147914     Goldschmidt (PI)      08/15/2019 - 07/31/2024
Source: NIH/NHLBI $3,094,915
Eating Related Self-Regulation and its Neural Substrates as Mechanisms Underlying the Sleep/Eating Behavior Association in Children with Overweight/Obesity: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
The goal of this study is to assess the effects of sleep extension and restriction on children’s eating behavior and self-regulation.
Role: Co-Investigator

R01 DK117857      Thomas (PI)      06/01/2019 - 03/31/2023
Source: NIH/NIDDK $2,566,664
Rapid Evaluation of Innovative Intervention Components to Maximize the Health Benefits of Behavioral Obesity Treatment Delivered Online: An Application of Multiphase Optimization Strategy
The aim of this project is to test a set of innovative intervention components aimed at improving the proportion of individuals who achieve a minimum clinically significant weight loss via behavioral obesity treatment delivered online.
Role: Principal Investigator

R01 DK121360      Raynor (PI)      03/01/2019 - 02/28/2024
Source: NIH/NIDDK $2,981,810
Translating Basic Habituation Research to Childhood Obesity Treatment
This project will test a limited variety dietary prescription delivered to children within a family-based behavioral childhood obesity intervention to determine if limiting variety improves weight loss through accelerating habituation, if this approach can improve long-term weight loss, and if there is a behavioral phenotype that more greatly benefits from this dietary approach.
Role: Co-Investigator

R03 DK117198     Goldschmidt (PI)      02/01/2019 - 11/30/2020
Source: NIH/NIDDK $219,000
Investigation of Momentary, Prospective Associations Between Working Memory and Eating Behavior in Children
The proposed study aims to assess prospective associations between state-level working memory and eating behavior in youth with overweight/obesity and loss of control eating in the natural environment, which could help guide research efforts towards the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Role: Co-Investigator

U34 DK120051      Punjabi (PI)      09/25/2018 - 08/31/2019
Source: NIH/NIDDK $848,838
Sleep Apnea Treatment with Positive Airway Pressure for Prevention of Diabetes Mellitus
This project aims to design a multi-center, randomized controlled trial of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy with online lifestyle intervention versus online lifestyle intervention alone in people with prediabetes to determine whether PAP treatment can attenuate the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Role: Co-Investigator

R01 DK120731     Lillis (PI)      09/23/2019 - 05/31/2024
Source: NIH/NIDDK $2,591,895
Teaching Novel Values-Based Skills to Improve Long-Term Weight Loss: A Randomized Trial Examining the Efficacy of a Weight Loss Maintenance Intervention Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
This randomized controlled trial will determine whether principles of acceptance and commitment therapy can be used to improve weight loss maintenance after behavioral obesity treatment delivered online.
Role: Co-Investigator

R01 DK117843      Unick (PI)      09/18/2018 - 06/30/2023
Source: NIH/NIDDK $2,666,140
Phone Coaching as A Rescue Strategy for Early Non-Responders Enrolled in an Internet-Delivered Weight Loss Program
This study examines whether the addition of brief (3 phone calls) or extended phone coaching (weekly phone calls) to early non-responders enrolled in an Internet- based weight loss program improves weight loss at 4 and 12 months and whether this is cost-effective.
Role: Co-Investigator

R18 DK114715      Wing & Thomas (PIs) 09/20/2017 - 06/30/2021
Source: NIH/NIDDK $1,944,105
Pragmatic Trial of Technology-supported Behavioral Obesity Treatment in the Primary Care Setting: A Multiphase Effectiveness and Implementation Hybrid Design
The aim of this project is to test strategies for implementing an automated online behavioral obesity treatment in a large primary care practice network in Rhode Island and evaluate three online programs for weight loss maintenance.
Role: Principal Investigator

R21 HD083830      Kral (PI)                01/01/2016 - 12/31/2017
Source: NIH/NICHD $458,146
Mobile Health (mHealth) Nutrition Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
The project aims to develop and test an interactive mobile health nutrition intervention for children with ASD, which incorporates core behavioral change strategies that have been empirically tested in family-based behavioral nutrition research.
Role: Co-Investigator

R21 HD083830      Fedele (PI)                01/01/2016 - 12/31/2017
Source: NIH/NICHD $472,860
mHealth Approach to Collaborative Asthma Management for Teens & Parents
The aim of this project is to develop and test Team Speak, an Health intervention, implemented via smartphones, that fosters helpful caregiver support as early adolescents with persistent asthma develop and master asthma self-management behaviors.
Role: Co-Investigator

R01 DK108579      Bond & Thomas (PIs)  09/25/2015 - 07/31/2018
Source: NIH/NIDDK $1,263,757
Ecological Momentary Assessment of Behavioral and Pyschosocial Predictors of Weight Loss Following Bariatric Surgery
This study will use an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) platform integrating multiple real-time data streams from sensor devices and self-report to measure behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental predictors of success and risk from pre- to 1-year post-bariatric surgery.
Role: Principal Investigator

R42 DK103537      Thomas & Tuerk (PIs)  09/15/2014 - 06/30/2017
Source: NIH/NIDDK $1,401,730
Experience Success: Virtual Reality Skills Training to Enhance e-Weight Loss
The aim of this Phase II Small Business Technology Transfer grant is to complete development of  a virtual reality intervention to augment and improve Internet-delivered behavioral weight loss treatments, and to test it in a randomized controlled trial.
Role: Principal Investigator

Unnumbered          Thomas (PI)                   03/01/2015 - 01/31/2016
Source: Weight Watchers International, Inc. $136,401
Weight Watchers Online 2015 Pilot Study
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate patterns of use and health outcomes of the Weight Watchers online 2015 program.
Role: Principal Investigator

Unnumbered          Thomas (PI)                   05/01/2013 - 01/31/2016
Source: Weight Watchers International, Inc. $555,908
Weight Watchers Online \
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate patterns of use and health outcomes of the Weight Watchers online program.
Role: Principal Investigator

R01 DK095779      Thomas (PI)                    07/01/2012 - 06/30/2016
Source: NIH/NIDDK $2,184,686
LIVE SMART: Smartphone Intervention for Weight Control 
Smartphones will be tested as a novel method of delivering tailored behavioral weight loss treatment, reducing the need for face-to-face intervention.
Role: Principal Investigator

R41 HL114046      Thomas & Spitalnick (PIs)   05/01/2012 - 04/30/2013
Source: NIH/NHLBI $225,465
Experience Success: Virtual Reality to Enhance Internet Weight Loss
The aim of this Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer grant is to develop and test a virtual reality intervention to augment and improve Internet-delivered behavioral weight loss treatments.
Role: Principal Investigator

R03 DK095740      Bond (PI)                         08/15/2012 - 07/31/2014
Source: NIH/NIDDK $146,000
A Mobile Health Approach to Reducing Sedentary Time in Bariatric Surgery Patients 
A smartphone application that monitors sedentary behavior and provides automated feedback and encouragement will be tested as a means of reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity.
Role: Co-Investigator

R01 NS077925      Bond (PI)                         07/01/2012 - 06/30/2016
Source: NIH/NINDS $2,221,196
Behavioral Weight Loss as a Treatment for Migraine in Obese Women 
The effect of behavioral weight loss treatment on symptoms of migraine will be tested in randomized controlled trial (behavioral and physiological mediators will also be tested). Migraine symptoms and adherence to prescribed diet and physical activity behaviors will be assessed via smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment.
Role: Co-Investigator

R01 DK095069      Forman (PI)                    07/01/2012 - 06/30/2017
Source: NIH/NIDDK $2,959,515
Acceptance-based Behavioral Treatment for Obesity: Maintenance and Mechanisms
A novel intervention for weight loss maintenance, based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, will be studied using Ecological Momentary Assessment via mobile smartphones.
Role: Co-Investigator

R01 MH095982      Lowe (PI)                       08/01/2012 - 05/31/2016
Source: NIH/NIDDK $2,855,016
Weight Suppression, Dieting and Bulimia Nervosa: A Biobehavioral Study
Behavioral data collected via Ecological Momentary Assessment will be combined with information about weight-related hormones to better understand the development and maintenance of Bulimia Nervosa.
Role: Co-Investigator

R01 DK087704      Wing (PI)                        04/15/2011 - 03/31/2015
Source: NIH/NIDDK $2,033,344
Acceptance based behavioral intervention for weight loss: A randomized trial
The purpose of this project is evaluate a specialized obesity treatment for individuals with emotional and/or disinhibited eating. This novel treatment is produced by combining the principles and techniques of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with empirically validated behavioral weight loss strategies.
Role: Co-Investigator

R18 DK083248      Wing (PI)                         07/01/2010 - 06/30/2014
Source: NIH/NIDDK $1,174,728
A State-wide Initiative to Spread Effective Behavioral Weight Loss Strategies 
This program is designed to evaluate a unique weight loss approach, combining a self-sustaining weight loss campaign with Internet-based training in behavioral weight loss strategies.
Role: Co-Investigator

RC1 HL100002      Wing (PI)                         08/01/2010 - 07/31/2012
Source: NIH/NHLBI $888,800
Innovative Technology to Improve Patient Adherence to Weight Loss Recommendations
The purpose of this project is to use innovative Internet technology to improve adherence to behavioral weight loss strategies in patients with a physician referral for weight loss.
Role: Co-Investigator

2023 Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) Abstract Citation Award

2019 Psychology Mentor Research Award, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University School of Medicine

2019 Integrated Health Research Award, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)

2012 The Obesity Society First Annual Poster Award for Excellence in Science with a Focus on eHealth and mHealth

2011 NIH Mobile Health (mHealth) Fellow

2009 Award for Doctoral Graduate Showing the Most Promise for Enhancing Drexel University’s Reputation in the Social Sciences

2009 Brown University Clinical Psychology Training Consortium First Prize for Psychology Intern Research