Weight-loss program for rural adults with obesity
Official title: Program of Weight-loss in Rural Under-resourced Populations (POWeR-UP)
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-11342838 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A randomized trial will compare a brain-friendly, acceptance-based weight-loss program to standard behavioral treatment for adults in under-resourced rural areas who have obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $772,711 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK147644-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11342838 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21+ with obesity living in under-resourced rural areas, and who can participate in a virtual program.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals unable to participate in virtual sessions or who do not respond to behavioral approaches may not experience significant weight-loss benefits.
What this research studies
This study will enroll adults 21 and older from rural, under-resourced communities and randomize them to either an Acceptance-Based Behavioral Therapy (ABT) weight-loss program delivered virtually or a Standard Behavioral Therapy (SBT) program. The goal is to see whether ABT leads to greater weight loss at 12 months and maintains weight loss at 24 months, with additional analysis of how cognitive factors influence outcomes. Researchers will track weight, program engagement, and neurocognitive moderators to understand who benefits most. The trial will involve 25 virtual sessions over the treatment period and follow-up assessments to measure sustained impact.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If ABT proves more effective, participants and similar rural populations could experience greater and longer-lasting weight loss with a program tailored to cognitive and stress-related challenges.
How similar studies have gone: Previous behavioral weight-loss approaches show potential benefits, but this study tests ABT specifically in rural, resource-limited settings with cognitive considerations, a relatively novel focus.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hawkins, Misty — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Hawkins, Misty
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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.