Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 70

Comparing different online weight loss programs for obesity

Official title: Adapting Episodic Future Thinking for Behavioral Weight Loss: Comparing Strategies and Characterizing Treatment Response

Run by The Miriam Hospital · NCT05799846 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing which of three online weight loss programs works best for adults with obesity over a year.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
Enrollment360 (estimated)
SponsorThe Miriam Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Providence, Rhode Island)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 1, 2023
Main results expectedAugust 31, 2027
Study endsAugust 31, 2027
Registry record updatedJuly 15, 2026
Trial IDNCT05799846 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 with a BMI between 25 and 45 kg/m2 who have regular Internet access.

Probably not a fit

Patients currently enrolled in a weight loss program or those with certain medical or psychiatric conditions 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 clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of three distinct Internet-delivered behavioral weight loss interventions—Standard Behavioral, PREVENT, and PROMOTE—in adults with obesity. Participants will be randomized to one of the interventions for 12 months, during which they will learn specific cognitive strategies tailored to their assigned program. The study will assess weight change, adherence to weight-related behaviors, and individual characteristics that may predict success, while also monitoring for any potential adverse outcomes. The goal is to determine which program yields the best results and understand the mechanisms behind each approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective online weight loss strategies tailored to individual needs, improving outcomes for patients with obesity.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using behavioral interventions for weight loss, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants will be between the ages of 18 and 70, have a BMI between 25 and 45 kg/m2, and have regular (i.e., weekly) access to the Internet, defined as owning a smart phone with Internet capabilities, and/or having a broadband or Wi-Fi connection at home or work.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Exclusionary criteria include: 1) current enrollment in a weight loss program, 2) currently taking weight loss medications, 3) history of bariatric surgery or planned bariatric surgery in the next 18 months, 4) individuals who are pregnant, nursing, or have plans to become pregnant within the next 18 months, 5) individuals planning to relocate outside the area in the next 18 months, 6) any medical condition for which weight loss would be contraindicated, 7) neurological or psychiatric conditions including but not limited to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, 8) inability to attend assessments at the Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center in Providence, RI.

Individuals with mobility issues, dizziness, or history of heart disease, diabetes, or cancer will be required to provide physician consent prior to enrolling.

Where it's running

  • Weight Control & Diabetes Research Center
    Providence, Rhode Island, United States
    Recruiting

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.