Improving weight management in adolescents by addressing weight bias

Addressing Weight Bias Internalization to Improve Adolescent Weight Management Outcomes

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MIRIAM HOSPITAL · NIH-11014370

This study is looking at how feeling bad about their weight affects teens with obesity and aims to help them manage their weight better by combining support for their feelings with healthy habits.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMIRIAM HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11014370 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on the impact of weight bias internalization (WBI) on adolescents with obesity, exploring how self-directed stigma affects their weight management outcomes. The study will involve focus groups and a pilot trial to create a combined intervention that addresses both WBI and behavioral weight control strategies. Following this, a randomized controlled trial will assess the effectiveness of this new intervention on reducing WBI and improving physiological stress markers and eating behaviors. The goal is to enhance the overall health and weight management of adolescents during a critical developmental stage.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who are experiencing obesity and may be affected by weight bias.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not experience obesity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved weight management outcomes and better mental health for adolescents struggling with obesity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing weight bias can positively impact health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this integrated approach.

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.