Improving weight management in adolescents by addressing weight bias

Piloting an Intervention to Address Weight Bias Internalization to Improve Adolescent Weight Management Outcomes

NA · The Miriam Hospital · NCT06864208

This study is testing if a program that helps teens deal with weight bias can improve their weight management and overall health better than just giving them general health information.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Miriam Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Providence, Rhode Island)
Trial IDNCT06864208 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention that addresses weight bias internalization (WBI) in adolescents with higher weight statuses. Participants aged 13-17 will be randomly assigned to either a 4-week program focused on weight stigma and WBI followed by a 16-week behavioral weight management program, or a control group receiving health information unrelated to weight. The study will assess changes in WBI, biological markers of stress and inflammation, and weight management outcomes over a 20-week period. The goal is to determine if addressing WBI can enhance the effectiveness of traditional weight management strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 13-17 with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, those currently participating in weight management programs, or those with medical conditions affecting weight may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved weight management outcomes and reduced stress and stigma for adolescents struggling with weight issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous open trials have shown initial acceptability and feasibility of similar interventions, suggesting potential for success in this randomized trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Speak English;
* 13-17 years of age;
* BMI at or above \>95th%ile for age and sex;
* Have at least one caregiver available to provide consent and participate in sessions;
* Agree to study participation;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive impairment or developmental delay impairing participation in a group setting;
* Current participation in a weight management program or recent weight loss of 5% of body weight or more;
* Medical condition known to impact weight or that would otherwise prevent participation;
* Current use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists;

Where this trial is running

Providence, Rhode Island

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Weight, Body Weight, Weight Bias, Weight Stigma, Physiological Stress, Biological Markers of Stress, Biological Markers of Inflammation, Eating Behaviors

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.