Teaching undergraduates how the body controls weight and healthy eating to improve body image and self-esteem
The Effects of Weight Science and Nutrition Education on Weight Control Beliefs, Body Image, Self-Esteem and Eating Patterns in Undergraduate Dieters
This project will test whether teaching undergraduate women who are dieting about natural weight regulation and healthy eating changes their beliefs about weight and improves body image, self-esteem, and dieting intentions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT07349316 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Undergraduate women at McMaster University who are currently restricting their eating will be assigned to one of three education programs: weight-science education about how the body naturally controls weight, nutrition education about healthy eating, or a combined program covering both topics. The interventions are delivered as educational sessions with measures taken before and after the program to detect change. Outcomes include changes in weight-control beliefs, body satisfaction, self-esteem, and intention to diet. The study compares whether changing beliefs through education leads to improved body image and reduced disordered eating tendencies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are self-identified women aged 18 or older who are undergraduate students at McMaster University and are currently restricting their eating to lose weight, with normal or corrected hearing and vision.
Not a fit: People who are not undergraduate students at McMaster, self-identified men, or individuals who are not trying to lose weight are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce disordered eating and improve body image and self-esteem among undergraduate women who diet.
How similar studies have performed: Previous weight-neutral (weight science) and nutrition-education programs have produced some improvements in body image and reductions in disordered eating, though results are mixed and combined approaches are less well studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Undergraduate students at McMaster University * Individuals who are restricting their eating to try and lose weight. * Self-identified women * Ages 18 or over * Normal (or corrected to normal) hearing * Normal (or corrected to normal) vision Exclusion Criteria: \- Self-identified men
Where this trial is running
Hamilton, Ontario
- McMaster University — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Keisha Gobin, Ph.D., C.Psych
- Email: kgobin@stjoes.ca
- Phone: 905-522-1155
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.