Weight management program for college students

Developing a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for Emerging Adults Implemented Within College Health Service Centers

NA · The Miriam Hospital · NCT05895461

This study is testing a new weight management program that helps college students make small changes to their habits to lose weight and feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 29 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Miriam Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Providence, Rhode Island)
Trial IDNCT05895461 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to refine a behavioral weight loss intervention using a 'small change' approach specifically designed for college students aged 18-25 with overweight or obesity. The intervention will be implemented in college health service centers to enhance accessibility and reduce barriers to participation. By focusing on small, self-selected changes to current behaviors, the study seeks to improve student engagement and weight loss outcomes. The primary goal is to maximize the acceptability of the intervention among emerging adults.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are college students aged 18-25 with a BMI of 25 or greater who are enrolled at the participating institution.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of eating disorders, recent significant weight loss, or those currently participating in another weight loss program may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to effective weight management strategies tailored for college students, improving their health and well-being.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using the 'small change' approach for weight loss have shown effectiveness in other populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* BMI of 25 or greater
* Enrolled at college/university where study will take place
* English-speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* History or current diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or alcohol use disorder (current symptoms also assessed at screening using validated screening questionnaires)
* Participation in another formal weight loss program
* Current or recent pregnancy
* Psychiatric hospitalization in the past 12 months
* Recent weight loss of 5% body weight or more
* History of bariatric surgery
* Severe food or physical activity restrictions that would interfere with treatment recommendations

Where this trial is running

Providence, Rhode Island

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Obesity

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.