Local Programs for Weight Loss

Local Programs for Weight Loss

There is no easy time to lose weight, but with the added pressure of a New Year (and the temptations of cold-weather eating), it may feel harder than ever. You don't have to go it alone. We found 7 programs that will add structure and oversight to your weight loss goals and provide much better odds of success. The secret? They're hospital-based studies and programs, and because of this, they're free. Check them out today.

For young adults: SNAP

SNAP stands for Novel Approaches to Prevention, and this Healthy Weight Program is a national study has a base at Providence's Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center. If you're between the ages of 18-35 and are normal to moderately overweight (BMI 21-30), you may qualify. You'll get state of the art information and strategies from experts including nutritionists, exercise physiologists, physicians, health educators, psychologists and nurses) to help you adopt strategies for weight control. You will also receive a small monetary incentive for completing study-related visits. For more information and to see if you qualify, go here.

For adolescents: Weight Loss Program for Teenagers

The Miriam Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital are conducting a research study to help teenagers lose weight. The weight management program is offered at no cost. If your teenager is between the ages of 13 and 17, is moderately overweight, and wants to lose weight, you and your teenager may be eligible for this program. Participants will be reimbursed for their time and effort completing forms. If you are interested in hearing more about this program, call 444-7512.

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For overweight and obese adults: Rx Weight Loss

Physicians often recommend weight loss to improve the health and quality of life of their overweight and obese patients. However, physicians rarely have the time or resources to provide intensive behavioral weight loss treatment themselves, and there are few referral options for outside treatment. The purpose of this study is to develop and test a program to which physicians may refer their overweight and obese patients. The 12-week program will be conducted primarily via the internet, and will promote weight loss via proven behavioral strategies that emphasize changes in diet and physical activity. In order to enroll in this study, patients must be referred by a participating physician. If you’re interested in participating, call 793-8933 to see if you qualify.

For overweight or obese adults ages 25-55: ORBIT Weight Loss Study

Research is increasingly pointing to links between sleep habits and obesity. Play a role in this cutting edge research and enjoy a 12-week group behavioral weight loss program. Adults between the ages of 25 and 55 who are overweight or obese may be eligible to participate. In the first part, participants will complete a 1-week eligibility period and complete questionnaires and measures of their eating, activity, and sleep.  Information from this 1-week assessment will be used to determine eligibility for continued participation in the second phase of the study. In the second phase, the focus is on sleep patterns.  Participants will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to either make immediate changes to their sleep, to make gradual changes to their sleep, or to make no changes to their sleep for a 4-week period. Sleep will be measured throughout the 4 weeks and a sleep specialist will help you make the changes in your sleep. In the third part of the study, eligible participants will be provided with a 12-week group behavioral weight loss program. Researchers will help make healthy changes to your eating and physical activity patterns to help you lose weight and keep it off. If you’re interested in participating, call 793-8962 to see if you qualify.

Maintaining weight loss success in teens: Adolescent Weight Control Registry

Brown Medical School and The Miriam Hospital are conducting a research study to learn more about successful strategies for weight loss among teens and young adults. Compensation is provided. If you are between the ages of 14-20 years old, have lost a minimum of 10 pounds, and maintained this weight loss at least one year, you may be eligible for this study.  For more information, call 1-800-606-6927.

Better outcomes after bariatric surgery: Bari-Active

Bariatric surgery is generally quite effective in producing substantial and sustained weight loss. However, some patients fail to achieve adequate weight loss, while others experience considerable weight regain in the first few years after surgery. Certain patient behaviors, including regular physical activity, can improve the chances of success. Bari-Active is a clinical trial to develop and test the effects of a behavioral intervention to increase physical activity in bariatric surgery patients who have low physical activity. Adult participants between the ages of 21 and 65 who are planning to undergo bariatric surgery will attend 6 weeks of individual face-to-face sessions involving tailored instruction in use of different behavior change strategies to increase their physical activity and decrease sedentary behaviors. For more information, go here.

For all Rhode Islanders: Shape Up RI's 2012 Weight Loss Challenge

The latest challenge from Shape Up RI is a 12-week competition that begins on February 6 and runs through April 30. Already a bargain at $20 registration, the fee will be waived for employees of participating employers. Teams can participate in one or more categories:  In the “Pedometer Steps” category, teams track their walking to see who can accumulate the most steps. In the “Exercise” category, teams track the amount of time they spend doing moderate or high intensity cardio exercise. In the “Weight Loss” category, teams aim to lose the highest percentage of weight. In The “Fruits & Veggies” category, teams compete to eat at least five servings per day.

This year’s program features a number of enhancements, including a newly redesigned social networking Web site, easier activity tracking via text messaging, a mobile-web application, team photo sharing, bonus weekly challenges for individuals to complete, and over 100 special deals and discounts on healthy products and services being offered throughout Rhode Island.For more information about joining the Shape Up RI 2012 Challenge, please visit www.shapeupri.org or call 421-0608.

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