Helping bariatric surgery patients stay active and maintain weight loss through therapy.
Official title: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Promote Autonomous Motivation for Increased Physical Activity and Improved Weight Loss Maintenance in Bariatric Surgery Patients: A Randomized Trial
Funded at Hartford Hospital · NIH-11040988 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people who have had weight loss surgery feel more motivated to stay active and exercise regularly, by connecting their personal values to their health goals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hartford Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hartford, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $499,200 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135463-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040988 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have undergone bariatric surgery and are struggling with maintaining their weight loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had bariatric surgery or those who are not interested in increasing their physical activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can enhance motivation for physical activity among patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. The approach focuses on helping patients identify their personal values and connect these values to their health behaviors, thereby fostering a stronger internal drive to engage in regular exercise. The study will involve a randomized trial where participants will receive a one-time group workshop along with ongoing support to encourage sustained physical activity. By addressing the psychological barriers to exercise, the research aims to improve long-term weight loss maintenance and overall health outcomes for these patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective strategies for bariatric surgery patients to maintain their weight loss and improve their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that ACT-based interventions can effectively promote health behavior changes, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach in bariatric surgery patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Hartford Hospital
Hartford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bond, Dale S — Hartford Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bond, Dale S
Related research
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This project uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help adults who had bariatric surgery stay active and maintain weight loss.
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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.