Lifestyle and Health Coaching Strategies for Obesity
(WISE Health Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores different health coaching strategies to improve heart and metabolic health in Black adults who are overweight or obese and have conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Participants will follow either a weight-focused health coaching plan, aiming for weight loss, or a weight-neutral plan, emphasizing healthy habits without focusing on weight loss. If the initial plan proves ineffective, participants may receive more intensive lifestyle support or enhanced medical management. This trial suits Black adults with a BMI of 27 or higher, a related health condition, and reliable internet access. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance health strategies for the community.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It involves lifestyle and health coaching, and if needed, enhanced medical management in partnership with your primary care provider.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
A previous study found weight-focused health coaching to be generally safe and well-tolerated by participants. Specifically, when combined with portion-controlled meals, this approach led to weight loss over 24 weeks, with no major negative effects reported. This indicates the method's safety for participants.
For weight-neutral health coaching, research shows these methods are also safe. These strategies aim to improve overall health without emphasizing weight loss. Studies have shown that techniques like mindful eating and body acceptance are well-received and usually don't cause negative side effects.
Overall, both weight-focused and weight-neutral health coaching methods have demonstrated safety in trials. Participants can feel confident about the safety of these health coaching methods.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these health coaching strategies for obesity because they explore new approaches beyond traditional weight loss methods like diets and medication. The weight-focused coaching aims to enhance results with additional support like fitness classes or medical management for those who don't initially succeed, offering a personalized, intensified approach. Meanwhile, the weight-neutral coaching shifts the focus from weight loss to increased physical activity and overall health, which can be more sustainable and less stressful for some individuals. These strategies could provide more flexible and supportive options for managing obesity, catering to diverse needs and preferences.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for obesity?
This trial will compare different health coaching strategies for obesity. Research has shown that weight-focused health coaching, one approach in this trial, can help obese adults lose weight. Studies have found it can lead to better eating habits and less weight gain over time, especially when combined with methods like portion control.
Meanwhile, weight-neutral health coaching, another approach tested in this trial, can still improve overall health. This method promotes a healthy lifestyle and physical activity, which can help manage conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Both approaches have encouraged healthier habits and improved heart and metabolic health.26789Who Is on the Research Team?
Drew Sayer, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Black adults over 18 with obesity or overweight and at least one condition like high blood pressure, prediabetes/diabetes, or high cholesterol. Participants must speak English, be open to any intervention offered, have internet access and a device to use it on, and a primary care provider willing to join the study if needed.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Initial Treatment
Participants receive either weight-focused or weight-neutral health coaching for 7 weeks
Response Assessment
Participants are assessed for response to initial interventions at week 8
Continued Treatment
Responders continue with biweekly health coaching; nonresponders are re-randomized to intensified lifestyle or enhanced medical management
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Augment with enhanced medical management
- Intensify lifestyle approach
- Weight-focused health coaching
- Weight-neutral health coaching
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
Collaborator