Family-centered Weight Loss for Black Adults: Optimizing and Evaluating with MOST and Social Networks
Official title: FAMily-centered WEight Loss for Black Adults (FAM WEL B-ing): Optimization and Evaluation using Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) and Social Network Analysis (SNA)
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11397700 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A family-focused approach is being tested to help Black adults lose weight through more effective behavior changes and social support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $698,195 |
| NIH project number | 5R33HL169357-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397700 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older who identify as Black and have overweight or obesity, with active follow-up and residence in accessible study areas.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to the program’s social or familial support structures may experience less benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to tailor a weight loss program for Black adults by incorporating family dynamics and social networks to boost motivation and sustained behavior change. It uses the MOST framework to optimize what components of the program work best and how they are delivered, along with Social Network Analysis to map and leverage supportive relationships. Participants will engage in a culturally adapted lifestyle modification plan, with data collected on weight, behaviors, and social connections over multiple phases. By understanding which strategies and social supports drive the most weight loss, the study seeks to enhance outcomes for Black adults who experience higher obesity-related health risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve weight loss outcomes and reduce obesity-related health risks for Black adults by leveraging family and social support.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests family-centered approaches can enhance short-term weight loss, with ongoing research to optimize effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Samuel-Hodge, Carmen D — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Samuel-Hodge, Carmen D
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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.