The Miranda Study at a Glance

The Miranda Study is the first clinical trial led by Impact Obesity to evaluate the Prospero Health App, in partnership with Deakin University, Austin Health (VIC) and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (NSW).

The study will test whether the app can:

  • Help people feel more confident in managing their health during treatment

  • Improve their treatment experience and access to support

  • Explore how digital health can work alongside usual care

Recruitment began in September 2025, with results expected from 2027.

Overview of the Study

Starting treatment for obesity is a major life step, but ongoing support isn’t always easy to access.

The Miranda Study is designed to test whether the Prospero Health App can help fill that gap by providing personalised, digital support alongside usual care.

The trial is taking place at two leading hospital services:

  • The Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Service, Austin Health (VIC)

  • The Metabolism & Obesity Service, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (NSW)

Photograph courtesy of ECPO. 

Why this study is important

Many people living with obesity do not receive regular, ongoing support once they start treatment. Multidisciplinary teams — doctors, dieticians, psychologists, pharmacists and surgeons — can provide this, but access is often limited, especially outside major cities or for people facing financial barriers.

The Prospero Health App is designed to help bridge this gap by giving people an accessible, personalised support tool that works alongside usual care, not in place of it.

This is particularly timely as new medications (such as GLP-1 RAs) are becoming more widely available and affordable. To make the most of these treatments, people need guidance and wrap-around support — something digital health tools like the Prospero Health App may be able to provide at scale.

Photograph courtesy of ECPO. 

Aims of the Study

The Miranda Study will:

  • Test whether the Prospero Health App can improve people’s confidence in managing their health during treatment

  • Evaluate whether the app improves patient experience, self-management, and access to support

  • Explore how the Prospero Health App can work best alongside existing healthcare pathways

Who is Participating

The study involves adults aged 18+ who are beginning treatment for obesity — either through bariatric surgery or supervised medication (such as GLP-1s).

Participants are recruited through the specialist services at:

  • The Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Service, Austin Health (VIC)

  • The Metabolism & Obesity Service, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (NSW)

Each participant completes an online survey at the start of treatment and again after three months.

Because this is a randomised controlled trial, not everyone will use the Prospero Health App. Some participants will have access to the app, while others will continue with their usual care. This allows researchers to compare experiences across both groups and see whether the app makes a difference in people’s confidence, experience, and health support.

Timeline

  • Recruitment began: September 2025

  • Participant involvement: About 3 months each, from treatment start to follow-up survey

  • Interviews: End 2026

  • Results expected: 2027 onwards

About the name - Miranda Study

The study is named after Miranda, the daughter of Prospero in Shakespeare’s The Tempest — reflecting the close connection between the Prospero Health App and the research that supports it.

Partners & Supporters

RESEARCH PARTNER

Deakin University

PARTICIPATING HOSPITAL

Austin Health

PARTICIPATING HOSPITAL

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

About the Prospero Health App

The Prospero Health App is already available to the public in Australia as a free essential version. This version offers core tracking and information features, and it will always remain FREE.

In the Miranda Study, participants are trialling a special version of the app with advanced features — including tailored feedback, reminders, and alerts. Because these functions classify it as a medical device, they require careful evaluation.

The study results will help inform review by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to ensure the app is safe, effective, and ready for wider use.

Stay Connected

We’ll share updates and findings here as the Miranda Study progresses.

Have a question?

Email us at hello@impactobesity.org