Improving body image support for women in weight management programs
Official title: Addressing Body Image in Weight Management: An Overlooked Risk Factor for Poor Treatment Outcome Among Women
Funded at Miriam Hospital · NIH-10832014 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miriam Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $188,744 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DK124578-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10832014 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult women with overweight or obesity who struggle with body image concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not women or who do not have concerns related to body image may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Miriam Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olson, Kayloni L. — Miriam Hospital
- Study coordinator: Olson, Kayloni L.
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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.