Program to Reduce Obesity Through Social Support
Reducing Obesity Using Social Ties (ROBUST): Randomized Control Trial
NA · Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT06335810
This study tests if having friends or family support you during a weight loss program can help you lose more weight than going it alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 264 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06335810 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial tests a program that involves friends or family members in a weight loss intervention to see if their participation helps the main participant lose more weight. The study focuses on addressing interpersonal barriers to weight-related behavior change by promoting communal coping and reducing social undermining. Participants will receive 15 coaching sessions over 24 weeks, complete questionnaires about their habits, and track their food intake and activity levels using a Fitbit. The effectiveness of including social network members will be compared to a control group that does not involve others.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black or Hispanic adults aged 18 and older with a BMI over 30 who can involve at least one supportive friend or family member.
Not a fit: Patients currently enrolled in weight-loss programs or with significant medical issues that limit physical activity may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance weight loss outcomes by leveraging social support.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that social support can positively influence weight loss, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Index Participant: 1. Black race or Hispanic ethnicity 2. Male or Female 18 years of age or older 3. Calculated BMI \> 30kg/m2 from objectively measured height and weight by study staff 4. Access \& willingness to use program food intake app via home computer or a smartphone 5. Ability to identify at least one adult social network member who will participate in the study * Social Network Member: 1. Male or Female 18 years of age or older 2. Access to the internet or a smartphone Exclusion Criteria: * Index Participant: 1. Active enrollment in a weight-loss program, use of weight-loss medications, or planning weight-loss surgery 2. Advanced medical illness, dementia, hospitalization, injury, or pregnancy that inhibits regular physical activity 3. Contraindications to exercise based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire or lack of clearance from a health care provider 4. Unresolved Food insecurity 5. Speaks a language other than English or Spanish * Social Network Member: 1. Speaks a language other than English or Spanish
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Weill Cornell Medicine — New York, New York, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Erica G Phillips, MD, MS — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Rosio Ramos, BS
- Email: ror2023@med.cornell.edu
- Phone: 646-962-5037
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.
Conditions: Obesity, Weight Loss, Undermining, Communication