Family-centered weight loss program for Black adults
FAMily-centered WEight Loss for Black Adults (FAM WEL B-ing): Optimization and Evaluation Using Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) and Social Network Analysis (SNA)
This study is testing a weight loss program for Black adults that involves family support to see which family activities help them lose weight best over six months.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 256 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06724406 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to identify the most effective combination of family components that can enhance weight loss among Black adults. Participants will engage in a 6-month behavioral weight loss intervention that includes both group sessions and family-based dyad sessions. The study will evaluate different combinations of family skills components, such as communication and cohesion, to determine which combination yields the best results in weight loss. Participants will also track their weight, dietary intake, and physical activity throughout the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black or African American adults aged 18-75 with a BMI of 30 or greater, who have a family member willing to participate in the program.
Not a fit: Patients who have participated in an intensive weight loss program in the past 6 months or have significant psychiatric illnesses may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to more effective weight loss strategies tailored for Black adults and their families.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with family-centered approaches to weight loss, indicating potential for this method.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * self-identified as Black or African American (Index participant) * BMI equal to greater than 30 kg/m\^2 (Index); BMI equal to greater than 27.5 kg/m\^2 (family partner) * have a partner/family member willing to enroll in the study and must share a mutual goal of achieving weight loss * English speaking * ages 18-75 * any gender * have access to and be able to use a smartphone, tablet, or computer that has web-access (this is required for data collection and some program components being tested) Exclusion Criteria: * participation in an intensive weight loss program (more than 12 visits) in the prior 6 months * type 1 diabetes * significant psychiatric illness, defined as depression or other major psychiatric illness not considered reasonably managed by counseling, medication, or both * had bariatric surgery (surgery for weight loss) in the last 2 years or considering bariatric surgery in the next 6 months * using or planning to start medications intentionally for weight loss * are pregnant or planning to get pregnant in the next 6 months * are breastfeeding and less than 2 months postpartum * alcohol or substance abuse, defined as alcohol or substance use that interferes with work activities and/or has had a major negative impact on family/social function, the latter defined as more than 2 episodes per month. * malignancy other than non-melanoma skin cancer, unless considered cured \> 5 years ago. Exceptions include 1) men with localized prostate cancer (treated with usual modalities or managed with "active surveillance"), and 2) postmenopausal women receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy (e.g., aromatase inhibitor) for non-metastatic, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer * self-report of advanced kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) \< 30 mL/min)
Where this trial is running
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carmen Samuel-Hodge, PhD, MS, RD, LDN — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Carmen Samuel-Hodge
- Email: cdsamuel@email.unc.edu
- Phone: 919-966-0360
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.