Improving physical activity after weight loss surgery

Gaining Optimism After Weight Loss Surgery (GOALS) II: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Positive Psychology-based Intervention to Increase Physical Activity After Bariatric Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT04868032

This study is testing a new program that combines motivational support and a Fitbit to help people who have had weight loss surgery become more active.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment58 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT04868032 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of a positive psychology-motivational interviewing (PP-MI) intervention aimed at promoting physical activity among patients who have recently undergone bariatric surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a 10-week intervention that includes weekly phone calls, a written manual, and a Fitbit activity tracker, or to a control group receiving only the Fitbit. The study will assess primary outcomes related to the intervention's feasibility and acceptability, as well as secondary outcomes including changes in physical activity and psychological, behavioral, and physiological measures at 10 and 24 weeks. A total of 58 participants will be enrolled from two academic medical centers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have undergone bariatric surgery within the past 6-12 months and are interested in increasing their physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive deficits, illnesses likely to lead to death in the next 6 months, or those unable to engage in physical activity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance physical activity levels and overall well-being in patients post-bariatric surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using motivational interviewing and positive psychology approaches to improve health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult (age 18+)
* History of bariatric surgery (gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) at one of two academic medical centers within the past 6-12 months
* Interest in increasing physical activity
* Low physical activity, defined as \<200 minutes/week self-reported moderate- to-vigorous physical activity
* Access to telephone for study sessions
* Able to read and speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive deficits precluding participation or informed consent
* Illness likely to lead to death in the next 6 months
* Inability to be physically active (e.g., severe arthritis)
* Participation in another program targeting physical activity besides their standard offerings at the surgery center.
* Severe psychiatric condition limiting ability to participate (e.g., psychosis, active substance use disorder)

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Bariatric SurgeryPositive PsychologyMotivational InterviewingPhysical Activity
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.