Targeting Weight and Shape Concern Among Women With High Body Weight

Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial Targeting Weight and Shape Concern Among Women Enrolled in Behavioral Weight Management

This study is a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of an adapted version of the Body Project program among adult women of higher body weight who want to lose weight. The study will evaluate treatment effects on weight and shape concern and explore the impact of intervention on weight loss outcomes.

The objective of this study is to conduct a randomized controlled pilot trial to test the effects of a 28-week treatment protocol that combines a modified body image intervention (The Body Project: weeks 1-4) with a 6-month standard behavioral weight management treatment (weeks 5-28). The combined protocol will be evaluated in comparison to a control group that receives an education only program during weeks 1-4 followed by the same 6-month weight management treatment. It will be tested among women with high body weight who report High Weight and Shape Concern and would like to lose weight. The goals of the study are: To evaluate effects of a manualized intervention on Weight and Shape Concern prior to starting weight management. To evaluate the effects of the modified Body Project intervention on momentary weight/shape-related thoughts and overeating episodes during behavioral weight management. To conduct exploratory analyses comparing effects of the two treatment conditions on weight loss and other weight-related behaviors (e.g., exercise, adherence to self-monitoring).

Participants will receive this four week intervention followed by 6 months of behavioral weight management

Participants will receive this four week intervention followed by 6 months of behavioral weight management

The Body Project, an evidence-based body image intervention developed for young women at risk for eating pathology, was adapted for use among adult women with high weight and shape concern and high body weight who want to lose weight.

This intervention is designed to help individuals prepare for weight loss and is focused on facts about obesity, myths about weight loss, and the importance of a varied diet.

This 24-week behavioral weight management program is based on the Look AHEAD and Diabetes Prevention Program manuals. It is designed to facilitate 7-10% weight loss of initial body weight through dietary and physical activity changes with use of behavioral strategies to support lifestyle changes over time.

Assessed using the weight concern and shape concern subscales of the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire. Subscale scores range from 0-6.

Ecological momentary assessment will be used to assess in-the-moment thoughts about weight and shape on a 0-10 scale.

Percent weight change will be calculated from weight at the start of weight loss treatment to program completion.

Adherence to exercise, dietary tracking, and self-weighing will be monitored throughout weight loss treatment.

Inclusion Criteria: Female Body Mass Index between 25-40 Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire weight concern subscale greater than or equal to 4 Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire shape concern subscale greater than or equal to 4.25 Personal use of cell phone Able to engage in moderate intensity activity Desire for weight loss Exclusion Criteria: No eating disorder history Not pregnant Not breastfeeding No childbirth/delivery within 9 months No substance use disorder No weight loss medication or history of bariatric surgery No other weight loss program participation