ACT for Healthy Living: a Brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention for Women with Obesity

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · May 22, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The ACT for Healthy Living trial is exploring whether a short workshop focused on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help women with obesity make and stick to healthier lifestyle choices. This 4-hour workshop aims to improve participants' mental attitudes towards weight management and assess any changes in their eating and exercise habits. Researchers will gather information about participants' behaviors and feelings before the workshop, one week after, and one month later to see if the workshop has had a positive impact. Some women will be part of the workshop, while others will wait and receive the program later, allowing researchers to compare the two groups.

To participate, women need to have a body mass index (BMI) over 30, meaning they are considered to have obesity. They should also be able to read and understand English and live within 50 miles of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. However, women with eating disorders, major mood disorders, or those who have recently lost or gained a significant amount of weight may not be eligible. If you join this study, you can expect to fill out some questionnaires and have your weight measured at different times to help researchers understand how the workshop affects your health journey. This trial is currently looking for participants, so if you meet the criteria and are interested, it could be a great opportunity to enhance your well-being.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Inclusion criteria will be individuals who self-identify as women, have a BMI of \>30.0 kg/m2 based on self-reported height and weight, are able to read and understand written and spoken English, and have a primary residence within 50 miles driving distance of the University of Alabama at Birmingham campus.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Exclusion criteria will include presence of eating disorder symptoms (assessed by participant self-report for a former or current diagnosis) presence of a major mood disorder (assessed by participant self-report of a current or former diagnosis), recent weight change of +/-10 pounds, recent use of prescription medication for weight loss, and current participation in another weight management program.