Supportive Weight Management for Obesity
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether support from a household member can help Veterans lose weight more effectively in a weight management program. It examines two groups: one where Veterans participate with a supportive adult, such as a spouse or friend (dyadic intervention), and another where they participate alone (veteran-only intervention). The trial suits Veterans with a BMI of 30 or more who want to lose weight and live with someone willing to provide support. Participants must have visited a VA primary care provider in the past year and have internet access. As an unphased trial, this study offers Veterans a unique opportunity to explore innovative weight management strategies with the support of a loved one.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are currently using weight loss medications.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that including a partner in weight-loss programs, known as dyadic intervention, can be safe and may enhance results. One study examined how individuals and their partners collaborated to lose weight. It found that partner involvement was generally well-received, with no major safety concerns reported.
Another study focused on improving communication and support among family members for healthier habits. This approach also revealed no significant safety issues. While weight loss results can vary, having a support person does not appear to add any risk.
For those considering joining a trial with a dyadic intervention, current research suggests it is safe. The main goal is to work together with a partner to support each other’s weight-loss goals.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these interventions for obesity because they focus on integrating social support, which isn't commonly emphasized in traditional weight management programs. The dyadic intervention involves veterans working together with a support person, which may enhance motivation and accountability. In contrast, the veteran-only intervention allows for individual focus, which could provide insights into the effectiveness of personal responsibility in weight management. These approaches aim to explore how social dynamics and individual effort can impact weight loss success, offering potentially new strategies for managing obesity beyond standard diet and exercise plans.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for weight management?
Research has shown that having a support person in weight-loss programs can increase their effectiveness. In this trial, participants in the Dyadic intervention arm, where both the Veteran and their support person join the MOVE! program, may experience enhanced outcomes. One study found that when both a participant and their partner at home joined the program, it led to better results. Another study showed that one person's progress could significantly influence the other's, especially in the early stages. Additionally, the "Live Well" program highlighted that community-based approaches, which often include social support, can successfully tackle obesity. These findings suggest that having a support person join the Veteran in a weight management program might improve weight loss results. Meanwhile, the Veteran-only intervention arm will assess the effectiveness of the MOVE! program when Veterans participate alone.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Corrine I. Voils, PhD
Principal Investigator
William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Veterans with obesity who are at least 18 years old, have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher, and have seen a VA primary care provider in the past year. They must live with an adult willing to support their weight loss journey, be able to stand unassisted for weigh-ins, and not be involved in other lifestyle change programs. Pregnant individuals or those planning pregnancy soon are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in a weight management program, either alone or with a support person, delivered via a secure video platform
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for weight and quality of life outcomes after the treatment phase
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Dyadic intervention
- Veteran-only intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor