Dissonance-Based Obesity Prevention + Response and Attention Training for Obesity

(PH Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+1 other location

Overseen by Eric M Stice, Ph.D.

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Oregon Research Institute

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This project seeks to improve the effectiveness of a novel dissonance-based obesity prevention program that has reduced future BMI gain and overweight/obesity onset by (a) experimentally testing whether implementing it in single- versus mixed-sex groups, which should increase dissonance-induction that contributes to weight gain prevention effects, and (b) experimentally testing whether adding food response and attention training, which theoretically reduces valuation of and attention for high-calorie foods, increases weight gain prevention effects. This randomized trial would be the first to experimentally manipulate these two factors in an effort to produce superior weight gain prevention effects. A brief effective obesity prevention program that can be easily, inexpensively, and broadly implemented to late adolescents at risk for excess weight gain, as has been the case with another dissonance-based prevention program, could markedly reduce the prevalence of obesity and associated morbidity and mortality.

Research Team

Eric M Stice, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Oregon Research Institute

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for late adolescents with a BMI between 20 and 30 who are moderately to extremely concerned about their weight. It's not open to individuals diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.

Inclusion Criteria

Current at least moderate weight concerns (response of moderate, severe or extreme to the presence of weight concerns question)

BMI between 20 and 30

Exclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.

Current diagnosis of binge eating disorder

Current diagnosis of bulimia nervosa

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Project Health (Behavioral Intervention)
• Response and Attention Training (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests a dissonance-based obesity prevention program in single- vs mixed-sex groups and adds food response and attention training. The goal is to see if these methods can prevent weight gain more effectively.

Participant Groups

Group I: Mixed Group, Generic Response Training Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants in this arm will be assigned to receive Project Health in mixed-sex groups and will complete the generic response and attention training intervention.

Group II: Mixed Group, Food Response Training Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants in this arm will be assigned to receive Project Health in mixed-sex groups and will complete the food-focused response and attention training intervention.

Group III: Male Group, Generic Response Training Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants in this arm will be assigned to receive Project Health in male-only groups and will complete the generic response and attention training intervention.

Group IV: Male Group, Food Response Training Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants in this arm will be assigned to receive Project Health in male-only groups and will complete the food-focused response and attention training intervention.

Group V: Female Group, Generic Response Training Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants in this arm will be assigned to receive Project Health in female-only groups and will complete the generic response and attention training intervention.

Group VI: Female Group, Food Response Training Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants in this arm will be assigned to receive Project Health in female-only groups and will complete the food-focused response and attention training intervention.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Oregon Research Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

87

Recruited

62,600+

Michael Holmes

Oregon Research Institute

Chief Executive Officer since 2023

PhD in Behavioral Sciences

Carol Metzler

Oregon Research Institute

Chief Medical Officer since 2013

PhD in Behavioral Sciences

Drexel University

Collaborator

Trials

160

Recruited

48,600+

Nancy D. Spector

Drexel University

Chief Medical Officer

MD from Drexel University

Denis O'Brien

Drexel University

Chief Executive Officer since 2020

MBA from Drexel University