Addressing Weight Bias Internalization to Improve Adolescent Weight Management Outcomes: Randomized Pilot Trial

Launched by THE MIRIAM HOSPITAL · Mar 3, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how to help teenagers who are dealing with negative feelings about their weight, known as weight bias internalization (WBI). Weight bias and stigma can lead to both mental and physical health problems. The study will test a special program that combines support for managing these feelings with a proven weight management plan for adolescents aged 13 to 17 who are above the 95th percentile for their weight. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive a 4-week program addressing weight bias and stigma, followed by a 16-week weight management program, while the other group will receive general health information for the first four weeks and then the same weight management program without the stigma content.

To join the study, participants need to speak English, be between 13 and 17 years old, and have a body mass index (BMI) over the 95th percentile for their age and sex. They also need to have a caregiver who can help with consent and participate in the sessions. The study is currently recruiting, and participants can expect to take part in activities over a 20-week period, with assessments at 4 weeks and again after the full program. This trial aims to improve both the emotional and physical health of teenagers struggling with weight issues.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1) Speak English; 2) 13-17 years of age; 3) BMI at or above \>95th%ile for age and sex; 4) Have at least one caregiver available to provide consent and participate in sessions; 5) Agree to study participation
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1) Cognitive impairment or developmental delay impairing participation in a group setting; 2) Current participation in a weight management program or recent weight loss of 5% of body weight or more; 3) Medical condition known to impact weight or that would otherwise prevent participation; 4) Current use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists