Using community wellness coaching to improve weight management for African American adults

Using Grassroots Wellness Coaching to Enhance Reach and Sustainability of Behavioral Weight Management

Not applicable Interventional Virginia Commonwealth University · NCT05544708

This study is testing a community-based weight loss program for African American adults in low-income areas to see if it helps them make healthier lifestyle changes and support each other in losing weight.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVirginia Commonwealth University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Richmond, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT05544708 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research focuses on African American adults living in economically disadvantaged areas who are at higher risk for obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. The study tests the feasibility and acceptability of a weight loss program utilizing house chats as a community-based intervention. Participants will engage in healthy lifestyle changes, such as walking and making small dietary adjustments, while also encouraging their community members to do the same. The program aims to enhance the reach and sustainability of behavioral weight management in real-world settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are African American adults aged 18 and older residing in Petersburg, VA, who are motivated to engage in healthy lifestyle changes.

Not a fit: Patients with certain medical conditions, such as type 1 diabetes or those currently undergoing cancer treatment, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to improved weight management and reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases in underserved populations.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with community-based interventions for weight management, indicating potential for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 and older
* Resident of Petersburg, VA
* Interested in engaging community members in healthy lifestyle changes (e.g., walking, small changes to eating) and willing to engage in these behaviors her/himself

Exclusion Criteria:

* A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
* Currently being treated for cancer.
* Medical conditions that may increase risk for participating in unsupervised exercise, if medical clearance is not provided
* Hospitalization for depression or other psychiatric disorder within the past 12 months.
* Lifetime history of bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder.
* Currently pregnant or lactating, or planning to become pregnant within the study period.
* Current involvement in a weight loss program or current use of weight loss medication.
* Inability to speak, read and write English.
* Planning to move from the Petersburg area within the study period.
* Does not have sufficient numbers of individuals in their social network from which to recruit for the proposed study.

Where this trial is running

Richmond, Virginia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Obesitycardiometabolic disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.