An acceptance-based healthy lifestyle program for overweight adolescent girls
Wellness Achieved Through Changing Habits (WATCH): An Acceptance-Based Healthy Lifestyle Intervention for Diverse Adolescents
This study is testing a new healthy lifestyle program that helps overweight girls aged 14-19 learn to manage their weight and improve their health compared to a regular health education class.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 148 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Drexel University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06147973 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an acceptance-based healthy lifestyle intervention compared to a traditional health education program for adolescent girls aged 14-19 who are overweight or obese. Participants will engage in a 6-month program that includes both in-person and remote group sessions, focusing on self-regulation skills, mindfulness, and adaptive responses to unhealthy cues. The study will assess various health metrics, including weight, body composition, and psychological factors, to determine the intervention's impact on weight loss and overall health. The trial specifically targets diverse populations, including those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescent girls aged 14-19 with a BMI at or above the 85th percentile.
Not a fit: Patients who have experienced significant weight loss recently or have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or active cardiovascular disease, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to significant weight loss and improved health outcomes for adolescent girls struggling with obesity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown acceptance-based therapy to be effective in adult populations, but this approach tailored for adolescents is novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 14-19 * Gender identification as girl * BMI percentile ≥ 85th percentile for sex-and-age Exclusion Criteria: * Experience of weight loss of ≥5% of body weight in the past 6 months for any reason except post-partum weight loss * Having recently begun or changed the dosage of any medication known to affect appetite or body composition within the last 3 months * Plans to move out of the area within the next year * Active cancer or cancer requiring treatment in the past 2 years (except non-melanoma skin cancer) * Active or chronic infections (e.g., HIV or TB) * Active cardiovascular disease or event including hospitalization or therapeutic procedures for treatment of heart disease in the past 6 months * Active kidney disease * History of bariatric surgery * Lung disease: chronic obstructive airway disease requiring use of oxygen (e.g., emphysema or chronic bronchitis) * Diagnosed diabetes (type 1 or 2) * Any condition prohibiting physical activity * Diagnosis of an eating disorder * Have a mental handicap or are currently experiencing other severe psychopathology that would limit their ability to engage in the treatment program (e.g., severe depression, active psychotic disorder) * Recent or ongoing problem with drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or addiction * Currently pregnant or less than 3 months post-partum * Anticipation of a possible pregnancy in the next year * Unwillingness to report possible or confirmed pregnancies promptly during the course of the trial
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stephanie Manasse, PhD — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Stephanie Manasse, PhD
- Email: smm522@drexel.edu
- Phone: 215-553-7157
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.