Using behavioral strategies to help economically disadvantaged adults lose weight

Using Behavioral Economic Strategies to Address Obesity in Economically Disadvantaged Adults

NIH-funded research University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-10652379

This study is looking to help adults with obesity who may not have a lot of money by using fun rewards to encourage healthier choices, making it easier for them to lose weight and improve their health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States)
Project IDNIH-10652379 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on addressing obesity among economically disadvantaged adults, a group that faces significant health challenges. It aims to improve weight loss outcomes by utilizing behavioral economic strategies that consider the unique environmental and psychological factors affecting this population. The study will implement a mobile health intervention that provides small monetary rewards to encourage healthier choices and counteract the tendency to favor immediate gratification over long-term health benefits. By targeting these specific behavioral patterns, the research seeks to create a more effective weight loss program tailored to the needs of underserved individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are struggling with obesity.

Not a fit: Patients who are not economically disadvantaged or those who do not struggle with obesity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective weight loss interventions for economically disadvantaged adults, improving their overall health and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using behavioral economic approaches to influence health behaviors, suggesting that this method could be effective in addressing obesity in similar populations.

Where this research is happening

Storrs-Mansfield, 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.
Conditions Cardiovascular Diseasescardiovascular disorderDiabetes Mellitusdiabetes
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.