Helping adults with weight loss through patient navigators
Official title: Piloting a patient navigator program to facilitate uptake and persistence with evidence-based weight loss interventions
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10937506 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program where friendly guides help adults with weight loss by offering support and advice to make it easier for them to stick to effective weight loss plans that fit their personal needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $303,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK140184-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937506 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are seeking effective weight loss solutions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not actively seeking weight loss or who have medical conditions that contraindicate weight loss interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve weight loss outcomes for adults by implementing a patient navigator program. The navigators will help individuals identify and overcome barriers to engaging with evidence-based weight loss interventions, such as behavioral, dietary, and pharmacological options. They will provide education about available treatments, support decision-making, and maintain long-term relationships to monitor progress and adherence. This approach seeks to enhance the effectiveness of existing weight loss strategies by ensuring they are better matched to individual needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved weight loss outcomes and better health for adults struggling with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that patient navigators can effectively improve engagement in various healthcare interventions, although this specific application for weight loss is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butryn, Meghan — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Butryn, Meghan
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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.