Recent Findings:

Rationale and Design for a Pragmatic Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of Online Behavioral Obesity Treatment in Primary Care

     First-line behavioral weight loss treatment for obesity is increasingly delivered online to increase reach while minimizing healthcare costs and maximizing access in routine medical care settings. We have developed an online behavioral obesity treatment program, Rx Weight Loss, and have shown that it produces clinically significant initial weight losses when delivered in controlled research studies. However, the program’s effectiveness when used by medical providers and their patients in routine care is unknown. Additional research is also needed to determine how Rx Weight Loss can facilitate weight loss maintenance after the initial weight loss phase is complete. This paper summarizes methods for an ongoing trial that is designed to identify the best methods for implementing Rx Weight Loss in primary care and to compare three different approaches to weight loss maintenance. This study will provide important new information about the effectiveness of online behavioral obesity treatment in primary care, the best methods for implementing such a program in real-world medical care settings, and the most effective approaches for weight loss maintenance among these patients.

Espel-Huynh HM, Wing RR, Goldstein CM, Thomas JG. Rationale and design for a pragmatic effectiveness-implementation trial of online behavioral obesity treatment in primary care. Contemporary Clinical Trials. 2019;82:9-16.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31063870

Currently Recruiting For:

Wearable Sensor for Dietary Intake

     Researchers at the Brown University and Miriam Hospital Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center are looking for men and women for a 7-day study that tests a new wearable sensor called the AIM to measure eating patterns. You must be between the ages of 18-65 years old, not a smoker or tobacco user, and have overweight or obesity. There are 2 study visits which take place at in downtown Providence (1 hour each with weekend visits possible). Measurements taken include dietary intake and energy expenditure. We also ask questions about activity level, sleep, food likes and dislikes, and attitudes toward food. Participants will be compensated up to $100. For more information or to find out if you qualify, call 401-793-8991, or email kdefaria@lifespan.org. This study was recently featured on WPRI: click here to view