Improving weight management in adolescents by addressing weight bias
Official title: Addressing Weight Bias Internalization to Improve Adolescent Weight Management Outcomes
Funded at Miriam Hospital · NIH-11014370 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| 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 | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $188,082 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DK135791-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014370 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who are experiencing obesity and may be affected by weight bias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not experience obesity may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Miriam Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Darling, Katherine Elizabeth — Miriam Hospital
- Study coordinator: Darling, Katherine Elizabeth
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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.