Teaching undergraduates how the body controls weight and healthy eating to improve body image and self-esteem
Official title: The Effects of Weight Science and Nutrition Education on Weight Control Beliefs, Body Image, Self-Esteem and Eating Patterns in Undergraduate Dieters
Run by St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton · NCT07349316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07349316 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Keisha Gobin, Ph.D., C.Psych
- Email: kgobin@stjoes.ca
- Phone: 905-522-1155
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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.