Understanding why low-income individuals struggle with weight loss
Predictors of Behavioral Obesity Treatment Outcomes
This study is trying to understand why people with lower incomes have a harder time losing weight and how to create better weight loss programs for them.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 230 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rush University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT05326477 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates why individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experience poorer outcomes in behavioral weight loss interventions compared to their higher SES counterparts. It aims to identify mechanisms such as present bias and adverse daily experiences that may contribute to these disparities. Participants will be allocated to a standard weight loss intervention, ensuring equal representation from both SES groups while balancing for ethnic/racial minority status. The findings could lead to more effective obesity treatment strategies tailored for lower SES populations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with obesity, classified as either lower or higher socioeconomic status.
Not a fit: Patients who are not fluent in English or have a body mass index of 60 kg/m2 or higher may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved weight loss interventions specifically designed for socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals.
How similar studies have performed: While disparities in weight loss outcomes have been documented, this approach to understanding the underlying mechanisms is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥18 years old 2. Obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) 3. Meets criteria for either the lower SES or higher SES cohort Exclusion Criteria: 1. Not fluent in English 2. Change in income or financial assets exceeding ±75% of federal poverty guideline within the past 12 months, or expected in the next 6 months, if this change would result in reclassification on SES. 3. Previous or planned bariatric surgery, or concurrent engagement in other behavioral or pharmacological treatment for obesity 4. Resides more than 20 miles away from Rush, or planning to move outside of this geographic area during the study period 5. Body mass index ≥60 kg/m2, due to increased injury risk with exercise 6. History of bariatric surgery, or current engagement in another weight loss therapy 7. Lack of reliable access to cell or landline phone 8. Medical contraindications to treatment, including osteoporosis, cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment ≤25), active substance abuse based on the World Health Organization's ASSIST screener, lack of physician clearance for participation, or serious medical illness (e.g., stage 3 or 4 heart failure, cancer, renal failure, etc.)
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Bradley M Appelhans, PHD
- Email: brad_appelhans@rush.edu
- Phone: 312-942-3477
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.