Using community wellness coaching to improve weight management for underserved populations
Official title: Using grassroots wellness coaching to enhance reach and sustainability of behavioral weight management
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10825541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping African American adults and those from low-income backgrounds manage their weight better by bringing people together in friendly group chats led by community members, so everyone can share tips and support each other in making healthier choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $298,080 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132373-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10825541 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American adults and individuals from economically disadvantaged communities who are struggling with obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of the targeted demographic or those who do not face challenges related to weight management may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a community-based approach to help African American adults and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds manage their weight more effectively. By training community members to lead discussions and interventions, the project aims to create a supportive environment that encourages healthy lifestyle changes. The methodology includes peer-led sessions, known as house chats, where participants can share experiences and strategies for weight management. This approach seeks to leverage social networks to enhance engagement and sustainability in weight management efforts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective weight management strategies tailored for underserved populations, ultimately improving their health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous community-based interventions have shown promise in improving health outcomes, suggesting that this approach could be effective as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mosavel, Maghboeba — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Mosavel, Maghboeba
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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.