Improving body image support for women in weight management programs

Addressing Body Image in Weight Management: An Overlooked Risk Factor for Poor Treatment Outcome Among Women

NIH-funded research Miriam Hospital · NIH-10832014

This study is looking at how worries about body image can impact weight loss for women, and it aims to create helpful programs that tackle these negative feelings to support healthier eating habits and better weight management.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMiriam Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Providence, United States)
Project IDNIH-10832014 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how body image concerns affect weight management outcomes for women. It aims to develop and refine interventions that address negative thoughts about body weight and shape, which can lead to overeating. By using a combination of behavioral therapy and a specific treatment protocol called the Body Project, the study will evaluate how these interventions can improve weight loss success among women with overweight or obesity. Participants will be involved in a pilot trial to test the effectiveness of these refined strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adult women with overweight or obesity who struggle with body image concerns.

Not a fit: Patients who are not women or who do not have concerns related to body image may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective weight management programs that help women achieve better health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing body image concerns can improve outcomes in weight management, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Providence, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.