NCT06393725

Brief Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a group-based digital weight loss program that is delivered asynchronously (via an online platform) is as effective as one that is delivered synchronously (via weekly videoconference meetings). In the asynchronous condition, participants can engage with their group any time 24/7. In the synchronous condition, participants can engage with their group once a week at a videoconference meeting. The main questions it aims to answer are: Will participants in each condition lose about the same amount of weight? Will the participants in the asynchronous condition participate more than those in the synchronous condition? Will the participants in the asynchronous condition feel more connected to each other than those in the synchronous condition? Will the asynchronous condition cost less to deliver per pound lost than the synchronous condition? Participants will: Receive a digital weight loss program that lasts 1 year and then volunteer participants will be selected to lead the group for 1 year following the program, a phase called the "peer-led weight loss maintenance phase." Complete study assessments at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

Trial Health

77
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
328

participants targeted

Target at P75+ for not_applicable obesity

Timeline
25mo left

Started Feb 2025

Typical duration for not_applicable obesity

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
recruiting

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Progress38%
Feb 2025Jun 2028

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

April 25, 2024

Completed
6 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

May 1, 2024

Completed
9 months until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

February 6, 2025

Completed
2.9 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

December 31, 2027

Expected
6 months until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

June 30, 2028

Last Updated

May 11, 2025

Status Verified

May 1, 2025

Enrollment Period

2.9 years

First QC Date

April 25, 2024

Last Update Submit

May 8, 2025

Conditions

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

  • Percent of baseline weight loss at 6 months

    Percent weight loss

    6 months

  • Percent of baseline weight loss at 12 months

    Percent weight loss

    12 months

Secondary Outcomes (8)

  • Word count of participant engagement in 1 year

    1 year

  • Word count of participant engagement in 2 years

    2 years

  • Collective Efficacy

    1 year

  • Collective Efficacy

    2 years

  • Cost in dollars per pound lost

    1 year

  • +3 more secondary outcomes

Study Arms (2)

Asynchronous

EXPERIMENTAL

This arm involves a 1 year behavioral weight loss program delivered in private Facebook groups led by a professional weight loss counselor. At the end of 1 year, volunteer participants will take over the leadership role of the group for the following year. Volunteers will receive a brief training on how to lead a private Facebook group.

Behavioral: Asynchronous Remote Lifestyle Intervention

Synchronous

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

This arm involves a 1 year behavioral weight loss program delivered via weekly videoconference meetings led by a professional weight loss counselor. At the end of 1 year, volunteer participants will take over the leadership role of the meetings for the following year. Volunteers will receive a brief training on how to lead videoconference meetings.

Behavioral: Synchronous Remote Lifestyle Intervention

Interventions

A 1 year lifestyle intervention based on the Diabetes Prevention Program to be delivered asynchronously via a private Facebook group led by a professional weight loss counselor. In the subsequent year, a Peer-Led Maintenance Phase will occur in which a participant volunteer will lead the group after receiving a brief training.

Asynchronous

A 1 year lifestyle intervention based on the Diabetes Prevention Program to be delivered synchronously via weekly videoconference group meetings led by a professional weight loss counselor. In the subsequent year, a Peer-Led Maintenance Phase will occur in which a participant volunteer will lead the group after receiving a brief training.

Synchronous

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 65 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersYes
Age GroupsAdult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

  • BMI 27-45
  • has Bluetooth or wifi connectivity at home (for scale)
  • goes on Facebook at least 5 days per week over the past 2 weeks
  • has posted/replied at least once a week in the past 2 weeks (per self-report)
  • has a smart phone

You may not qualify if:

  • Pregnant or lactating or plans to during study period
  • bipolar disorder, substance abuse, psychosis, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or severe depression
  • had bariatric surgery or plans to during the study
  • currently taking meds affecting weight
  • lost ≥5% of weight in past 6 months
  • participating in another weight loss program or plans to during the study
  • chronic pain or medical condition that interferes with the ability to exercise
  • type 1 diabetes
  • unable to walk ¼ mile unaided without stopping
  • nicotine user

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

University of Connecticut

Storrs, Connecticut, 06269, United States

RECRUITING

Related Publications (1)

  • Pagoto S, Xu R, Bannor R, Idiong C, Goetz J, Fernandes D. Comparing Synchronous and Asynchronous Remotely Delivered Lifestyle Interventions: Protocol for a Randomized Noninferiority Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2024 Dec 19;13:e65323. doi: 10.2196/65323.

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Obesity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

OverweightOvernutritionNutrition DisordersNutritional and Metabolic DiseasesBody WeightSigns and SymptomsPathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

  • Sherry Pagoto, PhD

    University of Connecticut

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Sherry Pagoto, PhD

CONTACT

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
NONE
Purpose
PREVENTION
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Model Details: Participants will be randomized to one of two interventions.
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Professor

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

April 25, 2024

First Posted

May 1, 2024

Study Start

February 6, 2025

Primary Completion (Estimated)

December 31, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

June 30, 2028

Last Updated

May 11, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will share

The data and associated documentation will be made available to users only under a data-sharing agreement that provides for: (1) a commitment to using the data only for research purposes and not to identify any individual participant; (2) a commitment to securing the data using appropriate computer technology; and (3) a commitment to destroying or returning the data after analyses are completed. Datasets will be stored with encryption and will be shared only after verification of human subjects institutional review board approval is obtained. By requesting human studies approval, we will be able to track recipients of the data, the type of data analyses proposed, and subsequent research findings. All storage and sharing of data will be in accordance with the policy and approval of University of Connecticut institutional review board.

Shared Documents
STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP, ICF, ANALYTIC CODE
Time Frame
Data will be made available 1 year following the end of the trial. It will be available for 5 years.
Access Criteria
(1) a commitment to using the data only for research purposes and not to identify any individual participant; (2) a commitment to securing the data using appropriate computer technology; and (3) a commitment to destroying or returning the data after analyses are completed.

Locations