Using social support to help manage weight for veterans
Official title: Harnessing the power of social support for weight management: a randomized controlled trial of HealthyTogether
Funded at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-10996595 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program called HealthyTogether, which helps veterans manage their weight by encouraging support from family and friends while teaching them better communication skills, to see if this approach can lead to healthier habits and weight loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01HX003800-01A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996595 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 21 and older who are struggling with weight management and are willing to engage their social support networks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not veterans or those who do not have a support system to engage in the program may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new program called HealthyTogether, which aims to improve weight management among veterans by incorporating social support from family and friends. The program combines virtual interventions with training in communication and relationship skills to help participants make healthier lifestyle choices. By focusing on both individual behavior and the social environment, the study seeks to determine the effectiveness of this approach in promoting weight loss and healthier habits among veterans. Participants will be involved in a two-site trial to assess how well the program works and identify any challenges in its implementation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective weight management strategies for veterans, improving their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot studies have shown that similar approaches integrating social support can be feasible and effective, indicating promise for this new intervention.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gray, Kristen E — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Gray, Kristen E
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HealthyTogether: partner and family support to help with weight loss
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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.