Simple weight-loss quiz may pinpoint why some diets fail

U.K. study finds identifying eating profiles can improve engagement and adherence in digital weight-loss programs

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:47am

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A new study from City St. George's, University of London found that categorizing people into 'eating profiles' through an online quiz can help people achieve lasting weight loss results. The quiz grouped participants into four profiles - Purple Lavender, Red Chili, Yellow Saffron and Green Sage - and offered tailored advice. Those who took the quiz and identified with a profile showed 'significant' engagement and were more likely to stick to the 12-week digital weight-loss program compared to those who did not.

Why it matters

The study suggests that adjusting digital weight-loss programs based on how people typically eat and behave could help more users stick with them and achieve their goals. This is important because weight loss can be highly dependent on individual habits and relationships with food.

The details

The study was based on an online quiz developed by the university, which led participants through 17 questions about their behavioral habits regarding emotional eating, dieting and exercise. Quiz-takers were grouped into four profiles, or phenotypes, based on their responses: Purple Lavender, Red Chili, Yellow Saffron and Green Sage. The quiz then offered tailored advice for building a healthier long-term lifestyle, including how to stick to personal goals, improve dietary choices and incorporate more movement.

  • The study participants were enrolled in a 12-week digital weight-loss program, in addition to seven weeks of tailored advice.

The players

City St. George's, University of London

The university that developed the online quiz and conducted the study.

Ilana Muhlstein

A Los Angeles-based registered dietitian-nutritionist who praised the 'really intuitive' quiz.

Robin DeCicco

A certified holistic nutritionist in New York who said it 'makes sense' to acknowledge habits and behaviors around food to promote weight loss and health goals.

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What they’re saying

“It really hits on the emotional and behavioral side of weight loss that people struggle with the most. It did an amazing job once it identified your eating type, giving you mindset shifts and descriptors on what to work on.”

— Ilana Muhlstein, Registered dietitian-nutritionist (Fox News Digital)

“Health is an individualized topic. There is no general way of eating that suits each person, because behavior and personality play such a role. Following a generic diet of what to eat and what to avoid doesn't result in any sort of meaningful change unless personality types, behaviors and habits are addressed.”

— Robin DeCicco, Certified holistic nutritionist (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

Larger, randomized trials with longer follow-ups are 'warranted to determine whether increased engagement translates into clinically meaningful weight loss,' the researchers said.

The takeaway

This study highlights the importance of tailoring weight-loss programs to individual behaviors and habits, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. By identifying specific eating profiles, the quiz was able to provide more personalized guidance and boost engagement, suggesting a promising path forward for digital weight-loss programs.