Community-Based Mentoring for Weight Loss

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mayo Clinic

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Serious medical conditions, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

481 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Community-based mentoring and education sessions for weight loss?

Research shows that community-based weight-loss programs can help people lose weight and keep it off over time. Participants in these programs experienced improvements in weight, waist size, cholesterol, and overall quality of life, suggesting that community support and education can be effective for weight management. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is community-based mentoring for weight loss safe for humans?

The community-based weight-loss treatment was well-received by participants, with high satisfaction and adherence to the treatment protocol, and no significant safety concerns were reported in the study. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

How does community-based mentoring for weight loss differ from other treatments?

Community-based mentoring for weight loss is unique because it involves local mentors and educational sessions, making it more accessible and culturally relevant for participants. This approach can reach people who might not seek professional care and is often more cost-effective than traditional clinical interventions. ^{10 11 12 13 14}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The objective of this study is to leverage existing social networks for health behavior change relevant to obesity and cardiovascular risk among immigrant populations in Southeast, Minnesota.

Research Team

Mark Wieland, MD

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Hispanic or Somali immigrants in Southeast Minnesota who are willing to fully participate and consent. It's aimed at those with obesity or cardiovascular risk factors, but excludes pregnant individuals, those with serious conditions limiting physical activity, and normal-weight people from measurements.

Inclusion Criteria

You are part of a social group that was identified in a network analysis.

The participants in the study were willing to take part in all aspects of the research.

Provision of informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a condition that makes it hard for me to be physically active.

Even if you are not overweight, you can still participate in the study, but you will not be included in the measurements and analysis.

Pregnancy at the time of enrollment.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Immediate Community-Based Mentoring and Education Sessions

Subjects receive community-based mentoring and education sessions immediately after enrollment

12 months

Delayed Community-Based Mentoring and Education Sessions

Subjects receive community-based mentoring and education sessions approximately 12 months after enrollment

12 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in health metrics such as BMI, blood pressure, and physical activity

12 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Community-based mentoring and education sessions

Trial Overview The study tests a program using community-based mentoring and education within social networks to promote weight loss and reduce cardiovascular risks among immigrant communities.

Participant Groups

Group I: Immediate Community-Based Mentoring and Education Sessions Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Subjects will receive the intervention of community-based mentoring and education sessions immediately after enrollment.

Group II: Delayed Community-Based Mentoring and Education Sessions Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Subjects will receive the intervention of community-based mentoring and education sessions approximately 12 months after enrollment.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,427

Recruited

3,221,000+

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)

Collaborator

Trials

473

Recruited

1,374,000+

Findings from Research

A randomized control trial involving 60 obese students showed that a self-empowerment-based coaching program significantly reduced total body fat and improved healthy behavior habits compared to a control group.

The intervention group also reported greater improvements in satisfaction related to hobbies, exercise, sleep, and spiritual well-being, indicating a holistic benefit of the coaching approach in managing obesity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effectiveness of self-empowerment-based patient-centered care for obese students in primary services: A randomized controlled trial. Dewi, DK., Sekartini, R., Sunardi, D., et al.[2023]

A community-based weight-loss treatment program involving 90 participants led to significant weight loss and sustained health improvements, including reductions in waist circumference and cholesterol levels, over an 18-month period.

Participants maintained their weight loss without significant regain at follow-ups, demonstrating the effectiveness of the program in promoting long-term behavioral and psychological benefits for overweight and obese adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community-based behavioral weight-loss treatment: long-term maintenance of weight loss, physiological, and psychological outcomes. Latner, JD., Ciao, AC., Wendicke, AU., et al.[2013]

Physician involvement in weight loss programs can significantly improve outcomes, as even minimal contact may enhance success rates compared to unsupervised efforts.

Medical supervision is crucial for patients on very-low-calorie diets, those who are severely obese (BMI > 35), and individuals with other health issues, to ensure safety and monitor health during weight loss.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of medically supervised and unsupervised approaches to weight loss and control. Blackburn, GL.[2019]

The community-academic advisory board (CAB) involved in developing a childhood obesity treatment program showed significant improvements in conflict resolution skills and trust among members, indicating effective collaboration in a medically underserved area.

Despite some positive changes, perceptions of participation and influence decreased significantly, suggesting a need to address engagement strategies in future community-academic partnerships.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

One-Year Mixed-Methods Case Study of a Community-Academic Advisory Board Addressing Childhood Obesity. Zoellner, J., Hill, JL., Brock, D., et al.[2020]

A qualitative study involving 20 African American church members identified key components for a faith-based weight maintenance program, emphasizing the importance of accountability, support, and faith in achieving healthy lifestyle changes.

Integrating faith themes, such as scripture and prayer, into weight maintenance programs may enhance their effectiveness in promoting long-term health behavior changes among participants.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Developing culturally congruent weight maintenance programs for African American church members. Seale, JP., Fifield, J., Davis-Smith, YM., et al.[2022]

Community-based weight control programs can effectively reach and treat large numbers of obese individuals who might not seek professional help, achieving modest weight loss at lower costs compared to clinical interventions.

While these programs have not yet succeeded in reducing overall obesity rates in the general population, they show promise and warrant further research, particularly in recruitment strategies and preventing weight gain.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Minnesota studies on community-based approaches to weight loss and control. Jeffery, RW.[2019]

References

1. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effectiveness of self-empowerment-based patient-centered care for obese students in primary services: A randomized controlled trial. [2023]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community-based behavioral weight-loss treatment: long-term maintenance of weight loss, physiological, and psychological outcomes. [2013]

3. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictors of weight reduction and maintenance in a large cohort of overweight and obese adults in a community setting. [2019]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Referral sources to a weight management program: relation to outcome. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of medically supervised and unsupervised approaches to weight loss and control. [2019]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

One-Year Mixed-Methods Case Study of a Community-Academic Advisory Board Addressing Childhood Obesity. [2020]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evidence for success of caloric restriction in weight loss and control. Summary of data from industry. [2019]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The WORD (Wholeness, Oneness, Righteousness, Deliverance): design of a randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of an evidence-based weight loss and maintenance intervention translated for a faith-based, rural, African American population using a community-based participatory approach. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The healthy start partnership: an approach to obesity prevention in young families. [2019]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of a community-based behavioral weight loss program in Chinese adults: A randomized controlled trial. [2018]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Weight change among repeat participants of an Aboriginal community-based weight loss program. [2021]

12. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Developing culturally congruent weight maintenance programs for African American church members. [2022]

13. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Minnesota studies on community-based approaches to weight loss and control. [2019]

14. Czech Republic pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of cognitive-behavioral approach to overweight and obesity therapy in STOB activities. [2021]