Five weight‑neutral online programs to support healthy eating, activity, and body appreciation for adults with higher body weight
Official title: Optimizing a Weight Neutral Intervention to Improve Health Among Adults of Higher Body Weight: A MOST Preparation Phase Study
Run by The Miriam Hospital · NCT07363616 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test five different online group programs that combine Mediterranean‑style eating, physical activity guidance, mindful eating, body acceptance, and enjoyable exercise for adults with BMI 25–40 to see which programs people like and stick with.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Miriam Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Providence, Rhode Island) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 31, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07363616 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older with BMI 25–40 (those with BMI 25–30 must also have at least one cardiometabolic risk factor such as hypertension, high cholesterol, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes) who are able to participate in moderate physical activity and attend online group sessions are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People currently in formal weight‑loss programs, taking weight‑loss medications, with prior bariatric surgery, with recent >5% weight loss, who are pregnant, or who have medical/physical conditions that prevent moderate activity or completing study procedures are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a pilot phase using a Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework to combine and test candidate components for a group‑based, remotely delivered weight‑neutral lifestyle program. All participants receive a Core curriculum on Mediterranean‑style healthy eating and Physical Activity Guidelines, and some groups receive one or more additional components: mindful eating, body appreciation, or a tailored program to promote enjoyable physical activity. A fractional factorial design randomizes about 50 adults (in small online groups of ~10) to five conditions (Core alone and the Core plus different combinations of additional components) delivered over 12 weeks. Primary aims are to test recruitment, delivery fidelity, participant engagement, and satisfaction with the different program combinations rather than to change weight.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these programs could help adults with higher body weight improve healthy eating, move more, and feel better about their bodies without focusing on weight loss.
How similar studies have gone: Components like mindful eating, body‑acceptance work, Mediterranean‑style diet guidance, and physical activity promotion have evidence for improving eating behaviors and cardiometabolic risk factors, but combining these in a weight‑neutral, remotely delivered factorial pilot is a novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years and older * BMI between 25-40 (if BMI is between 25-30 then additional cardiometabolic risk factor must be present including hypertension, high cholesterol, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes) Exclusion Criteria: * current participation in a formal weight loss program * current use of weight loss medication * history of bariatric surgery * physical condition that would limit the ability to engage in moderate intensity physical activity * current pregnancy * recent weight loss of 5% body weight * condition that may interfere with ability to complete the study procedures
Where it's running
-
Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center
Providence, Rhode Island, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: KayLoni Olson, PhD
- Email: kayloni.olson@brownhealth.org
- Phone: 401-793-8971
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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.