Using Social Connections to Help Reduce Obesity
Reducing Obesity Using Social Ties (ROBUST)
['FUNDING_R01'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-11113809
This project explores if involving friends and family in a lifestyle program can help Black and Hispanic adults with obesity achieve lasting weight loss.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11113809 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many traditional weight loss programs don't work as well for Black and Hispanic adults, who face higher rates of obesity and related conditions like diabetes. This project believes that focusing only on individual behavior might miss important social influences. We are comparing a new approach, called ROBUST, which brings in your social network, like friends or family, to support your weight loss journey. This will be compared to a standard individual-focused program to see if social support makes a bigger difference in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black or Hispanic adults aged 21 or older with obesity (BMI over 30 kg/m2) who are interested in a lifestyle intervention.
Not a fit: Patients who are not Black or Hispanic, are under 21, or do not have obesity may not be suitable for this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a more effective and sustainable way for Black and Hispanic adults to manage obesity and reduce their risk of conditions like diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: While social networks are known to influence health behaviors, this specific approach of harnessing them for weight loss, especially among racial/ethnic minorities, is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PHILLIPS, ERICA — WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- Study coordinator: PHILLIPS, ERICA
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 below.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus