Cooking classes for families to help with weight loss in Abu Dhabi
Official title: Cooking Classes as a Family-based Intervention for Weight Reduction: Effects on Dietary Quality and Weight Management in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
Run by Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi · NCT07675148 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program tests whether healthy home-cooked meals made by trained home cooks can help Emirati adults with overweight or obesity lose weight and eat better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Abu Dhabi) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 8, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07675148 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Emirati adults aged 18-60 in Abu Dhabi with BMI 28-40 kg/m2, living with a certified home cook who can prepare meals during the program.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals outside the BMI range, those with recent bariatric surgery, active cancer treatment, or enrolled in other lifestyle programs may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study will enroll Emirati adults with BMI 28-40 in Abu Dhabi and have them participate in a 3-month family-based culinary medicine program. Meals prepared by certified home cooks will be provided as part of the intervention, with assessments before, during, and after the program to track weight, dietary quality, and health measures. Outcomes include body weight, waist circumference, body fat percentage, blood pressure, heart rate, and participant satisfaction. The study also gathers experiences from family members and cooks involved in the program. The design is quasi-experimental and focuses on real-world implementation within the home setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may see improved weight management and healthier eating patterns that could be sustained beyond the program.
How similar studies have gone: Previous culinary-medicine approaches have shown potential for improving diet quality and weight in related settings, but this specific family-based model in Abu Dhabi is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Emirati * Based in Abu Dhabi * Home cooked meals prepared by full-time home cooks who are certified in the ICCA Culinary Medicine course (post 4 weeks cooking training) * Certified home cooks are residing with participant during the training and intervention * Aged between 18 years and 60 years * BMI between 28-40 kg/m2 * Participant and cooks being able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Body weight exceeding 220 kilograms at the time of recruitment * Undergoing treatment for serious illnesses (active cancer), planned for surgery, interventional management, and immunomodulation * Undergone surgery within 3 months prior to study recruitment, including bariatric surgery * Enrolled in other lifestyle intervention programs
Where it's running
-
Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Erik Koornneef, Ph.D
- Email: e.koornneef@ihlad.ae
- Phone: +971500888594
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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.