Understanding why low-income individuals struggle with weight loss

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.