Group vs Individual Obesity Care for Obesity
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores two methods to help manage obesity: group visits with medical professionals and one-on-one sessions with a dietitian. Researchers aim to determine which approach more effectively aids weight loss and improves heart health. The trial seeks adults with a BMI of 30 or above who are interested in weight loss and willing to try either method. Participants should not currently use weight loss medication or supplements. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore personalized weight management strategies.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you stop taking weight loss medications and supplements advertised for weight loss before enrolling. Other medications, like those for blood pressure or diabetes, can be adjusted by your primary care provider if needed.
What prior data suggests that these obesity care methods are safe?
Research has shown that both dietitian-led individual visits and medical group visits safely manage obesity.
In dietitian-led visits, studies have found that dietitians provide effective and safe weight management strategies. These visits focus on personalized care, which patients manage well and typically do not cause health problems.
In medical group visits, research indicates that these sessions are also safe and well-received. Patients often lose weight and sometimes require less diabetes medication. No major safety issues have been reported with this approach.
Overall, both methods maintain a strong safety record and are generally well-received by participants.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores different approaches to obesity management: group care versus individual care. In the group setting, participants benefit from interactive sessions led by both an endocrinologist and a nutritionist, which can foster community support and shared experiences. In contrast, the individual setting offers personalized attention from a registered dietitian, allowing for tailored dietary advice. This trial aims to uncover which setting might be more effective or preferable for managing obesity, providing insights that could enhance current treatment strategies.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for obesity?
This trial will compare two approaches to obesity management: dietitian-led individual visits and medical group visits. Studies have shown that weight management programs led by dietitians can result in significant weight loss. On average, participants in these programs lost about 1.03 kg more than those who did not participate. Research also indicates that attending medical group visits, where care is provided in a group setting, leads to noticeable weight loss. Participants in these groups lost an average of 11.63 pounds, with more than half losing at least 7% of their weight. Both dietitian-led individual visits and medical group visits effectively help people lose weight and manage obesity.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Theodore Friedman, MD. PhD
Principal Investigator
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) from any ethnic background, interested in weight loss and willing to try a group medical visit or individual dietitian-led care. They must not be on certain weight loss medications or supplements recently, nor participating in other obesity treatments. Women over 50 and men over 40 may also get a heart scan.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Randomization and Baseline Assessment
Participants are randomized into either the composite group visit or dietitian-led visit and undergo baseline assessments
Treatment
Participants receive obesity management in either a group setting led by an endocrinologist and nutritionist or in an individual setting led by a registered dietitian
Sub-study (Optional)
A subset of participants undergo Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scanning and perivascular fat measurements
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in health outcomes such as HbA1c, diet quality, physical activity, and psychological distress
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Dietitian Individual Visit
- Medical Group Visit
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science
Lead Sponsor