Community-based wellness coaching for obesity in African American adults

WE Project: 2.0 Grassroots Wellness Coaching. Using Grassroots Wellness Coaching to Enhance Reach and Sustainability of Behavioral Weight Management (Phase 2)

NA · Virginia Commonwealth University · NCT06172582

This study is testing a new community wellness coaching program to help African American adults in low-income areas lose weight and improve their health through group meetings in their homes.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVirginia Commonwealth University (other)
Locations1 site (Richmond, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT06172582 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot trial aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a grassroots wellness coaching model, known as house chats, for addressing obesity and cardiometabolic disease among African American adults in economically disadvantaged areas. The study will utilize a cluster randomized controlled design, where two wards will be assigned to either the intervention or a delayed intervention control. Participants will engage in a 12-week lifestyle intervention delivered through weekly group meetings in the homes of trained house chat leaders. The study will collect data on recruitment, training, intervention fidelity, and participant satisfaction, alongside assessments of behavioral risk factors and changes in weight and waist circumference.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are African American adults aged 18 and older who reside in Petersburg, VA.

Not a fit: Patients with type 1 diabetes, current cancer treatment, or significant psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a culturally relevant and community-driven method for improving weight management and overall health in underserved populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in community-based interventions for obesity, suggesting potential for success with this grassroots approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 or older
* Resident of Petersburg, VA

Exclusion Criteria:

* Dx of type 1 diabetes mellitus
* Current treatment for cancer
* Medical conditions that may increase risk for participating in unsupervised
* Hospitalization for depression or other psychiatric disorder within the past 12 months
* Uncontrolled psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder
* Currently pregnant or lactating or planning to become pregnant within the study period
* Current involvement in a weight loss program or current use of weight loss medication
* Inability to speak and read English
* Planning to move from the Petersburg area within the study period

Where this trial is running

Richmond, Virginia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Obesity, Cardiometabolic Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.