A program to help adolescents improve physical activity and diet.

Guys/Girls Opt for Activities for Life (GOAL) Trial

NIH-funded research Michigan State University · NIH-10906029

The GOAL Trial is a friendly program for teens aged 12-19, especially those from underserved communities, that helps them get active and eat healthier through fun after-school activities, cooking classes, and support for both them and their parents over 16 weeks, all aimed at improving their heart health and overall well-being.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichigan State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project IDNIH-10906029 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

The GOAL Trial aims to address the high rates of overweight and obesity among adolescents aged 12-19, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. This intervention includes after-school activities that promote physical exercise and healthy eating, along with meetings for parents and adolescents to foster support and motivation. Participants will engage in a structured program over 16 weeks, which includes physical activities, cooking classes, and a social networking platform for parents. The goal is to enhance cardiovascular health and overall quality of life for these adolescents.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-19, particularly those from minority or low socioeconomic backgrounds with a BMI z-score of 0 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients who are not in the specified age range or do not meet the BMI criteria may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved physical health and reduced obesity rates among underserved adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous interventions targeting similar populations have shown promise in improving health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may also be effective.

Where this research is happening

East Lansing, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.