Examining how family-based health treatment affects youth executive functioning and weight
Official title: Examining the Role of Executive Functioning in Family-Based Intensive Health Behavior and Lifestyle Treatment to Address Pediatric Obesity (Healthy LIFT Groups)
Run by University of Missouri-Columbia · NCT06969235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a family-based health program can help overweight teens improve their thinking skills and lose weight over six months.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Missouri-Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbia, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | August 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06969235 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are youth aged 13-17 with overweight or obesity and their legal guardians who can attend group meetings.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant developmental disorders, eating disorders, or those currently in commercial weight loss programs 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 open trial feasibility study aims to assess the effects of intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment (IHBLT) on executive functioning, weight status, health behaviors, and psychological functioning in youth aged 13 to 17 who are overweight or obese. The study will enroll 10 families, each consisting of a youth participant and their primary caregiver, who will engage in a six-month evidence-based group treatment program. Participants will undergo assessments of executive functioning skills, weight status, dietary intake, physical activity, and psychological functioning before and after the treatment period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve health behaviors and psychological well-being in overweight youth and their families.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in improving health outcomes through family-based interventions.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Youth 13-17 years old * Youth with OV/OB (BMI≥85th percentile for age/gender norms) * Participating caregiver must be the participating youth's legal guardian * Participating youth and caregiver speak and read English * Participating youth and caregiver agree to attend IHBLT group meetings in-between the pre- and post-treatment assessments. Exclusion Criteria: * Youth pervasive developmental disorder (e.g., intellectual disability) * Youth or caregiver in commercial weight loss program or taking prescribed medications for the prior three months that impact appetite or weight * Youth or caregiver with documented history of eating disorder or untreated severe depression * Both youth and caregiver scores are two standard deviations or above the mean on the CPT-3 Commissions and Stroop Interference, representing significantly higher than average EF skills.
Where it's running
-
College of Health Sciences, University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Crystal Lim, PhD, ABPP — University of Missouri-Columbia
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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.