Predictors of Behavioral Obesity Treatment Outcomes
Sponsored by Rush University Medical Center
About this study
Socioceconomically disadvantaged individuals typically have poor outcomes in behavioral weight loss interventions, but the reasons for this are unknown. This project will characterize the mechanisms through which adverse daily experiences and present bias -- a cognitive adaptation to harsh and unpredictable environments -- account for disparities in weight loss outcomes.
Individuals of lower socioeconomic status (SES) lose only half as much weight in behavioral weight loss interventions as those of higher SES. This is a clinically meaningful difference in outcomes that has been consistently documented. The overarching aim of this project is to identify the mechanisms that account for SES-related disparities in behavioral weight loss outcomes, which would enable the development of more effective obesity treatment approaches for lower SES populations. One potential mechanism is present bias, which is a tendency to focus on one's immediate needs that may result from exposure to harsh and unpredictable environments. Present bias is a compelling candidate as a mechanism of SES-related disparities in weight loss outcomes because it is much more pronounced in low…
Where this study is enrolling
- I'm interested
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois
Who can participate
Inclusion criteria
- ✓1. Age ≥18 years old
- ✓2. Obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2)
- ✓3. Meets criteria for either the lower SES or higher SES cohort
Exclusion criteria
- ✕1. Not fluent in English
- ✕2. Change in income or financial assets exceeding ±75% of federal poverty guideline within the past 12 months, or expected in the next 6 months, if this change would result in reclassification on SES.
- ✕3. Previous or planned bariatric surgery, or concurrent engagement in other behavioral or pharmacological treatment for obesity
- ✕4. Resides more than 20 miles away from Rush, or planning to move outside of this geographic area during the study period
- ✕5. Body mass index ≥60 kg/m2, due to increased injury risk with exercise
- ✕6. History of bariatric surgery, or current engagement in another weight loss therapy
- ✕7. Lack of reliable access to cell or landline phone
- ✕8. Medical contraindications to treatment, including osteoporosis, cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment ≤25), active substance abuse based on the World Health Organization's ASSIST screener, lack of physician clearance for participation, or serious medical illness (e.g., stage 3 or 4 heart failure, cancer, renal failure, etc.)
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Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.