Behavioral weight loss intervention for college students
Official title: Testing a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for Emerging Adults Implemented Within College Health Service Centers
Run by The Miriam Hospital · NCT06994923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new weight loss program for college students aged 18-25 who are overweight to see if small changes in their eating and activity habits can help them lose weight.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Miriam Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Providence, Rhode Island) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06994923 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are college students aged 18-25 with a BMI of 25 or greater who are English-speaking.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of eating disorders, current pregnancy, or severe restrictions that interfere with treatment may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized controlled trial investigates a behavioral weight loss intervention designed for college students aged 18-25 who are overweight or obese. The intervention employs a 'small change' approach, encouraging participants to make minor, self-selected adjustments to their eating and activity habits. The study aims to assess the acceptability of this intervention and its effectiveness in achieving clinically meaningful weight loss. By implementing the program within college health centers, the study seeks to reduce barriers to participation and improve engagement among emerging adults. The findings will contribute to the development of a tailored weight loss program for this demographic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a more accessible and effective weight loss solution for college students struggling with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using the 'small change' approach have shown effectiveness in other populations, suggesting potential for success in this demographic.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * BMI of 25 or greater * Enrolled at college/university where study will take place * English-speaking Exclusion Criteria: * History or current diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or alcohol use disorder (current symptoms also assessed at screening using validated screening questionnaires) * Participation in another formal weight loss program or current utilization of obesity medications * Current or recent pregnancy * Psychiatric hospitalization in the past 12 months * Recent weight loss of 5% body weight or more * History of bariatric surgery * Severe food or physical activity restrictions that would interfere with treatment recommendations
Where it's running
-
The Miriam Hospital
Providence, Rhode Island, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jacqueline F Hayes, PhD — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Jacqueline F Hayes, PhD
- Email: jhayes3@brownhealth.org
- Phone: 401-793-8917
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.