A tool to help Veterans engage in weight management programs
Official title: The EMBER Trial for Weight Management Engagement
Funded at Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys · NIH-11006238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful tool called EMBER that aims to boost motivation and engagement for Veterans trying to manage their weight, making it easier for them to stick with weight loss programs and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003082-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans who are eligible for weight management programs but have not yet engaged with them.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Veterans or those who are already actively participating in weight management programs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing EMBER, a self-directed tool designed to enhance motivation and engagement among Veterans in existing weight management programs. Given that nearly 40% of Veterans face obesity-related health risks, the tool aims to inform and guide them in making choices about weight management. EMBER is available in both paper and digital formats, making it accessible to a wide range of users. By increasing participation in effective weight management programs, the research seeks to improve health outcomes for Veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve weight management engagement among Veterans, leading to better health outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that motivational interviewing can improve treatment engagement, suggesting that similar approaches may be effective in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Breland, Jessica Yelena — Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
- Study coordinator: Breland, Jessica Yelena
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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EMBER: a self-help tool to boost Veterans' use of VA weight-management programs
A self-guided motivational tool to help Veterans learn about and join VA weight-management services.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.