EMBER: a self-help tool to boost Veterans' use of VA weight-management programs
The EMBER Trial for Weight Management Engagement
A self-guided motivational tool to help Veterans learn about and join VA weight-management services.
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 ID | NIH-11457418 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I would use EMBER on paper or online to learn about my weight-management options and get guided, motivational prompts that help me decide what fits my situation. EMBER is built from motivational interviewing techniques but is designed for me to use on my own, not as a weight-loss program itself. The tool helps me weigh choices and encourages follow-up so I am more likely to enroll in VA programs like MOVE!. The goal is to make it easier for Veterans who were offered services to actually sign up and stick with them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Veterans with obesity or overweight who receive care through the VA and have been offered but not yet engaged in VA weight-management programs are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People already actively participating in a VA weight-management program or those who need medically supervised treatments or cannot use self-directed materials may not gain additional benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If it works, EMBER could help Veterans join and stay in effective VA weight programs, leading to weight loss and lower risks of diabetes and heart disease.
How similar studies have performed: Clinician-delivered motivational interviewing has improved treatment engagement in past studies, but self-directed, motivational interviewing tools like EMBER are newer and less widely tested.
Where this research is happening
Palo Alto, United States
- 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
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 below.