The UConn Weight Management Research Group develops and evaluates novel interventions for weight management in adults and children. Our research is funded by the National Institutes of Health. To see our publications, please click here. To see where our work has been featured in the popular press, please click here.

Upcoming Studies

BUILD (Becoming United in Lifestyle Decisions). The BUILD study is testing strategies to help couples lose weight together. If you join, you get a free app-based weight loss program focused on healthy eating and exercise, a FitBit tracker and scale, and compensation for study activities. This study is upcoming - please check back for recruitment updates, and click here for more information on BUILD.

Active Studies

Please note that all of our active studies are currently delivered entirely online.

RISE (Research Intervention to Support healthy Eating and exercise). The RISE study is testing new ways to help people lose weight. If you join, you get a free weight loss app, your own weight loss coach, daily text messages, and $200 or more for study activities. This study is actively recruiting. To see if you can join, click here.
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Past Studies

CHAMPs (Coach-delivered Health behavior and Activity Management Program). CHAMPs examinined novel strategies for long-term weight control. Individuals who joined CHAMPs were given access to a free Internet behavioral weight loss program. Those who lost at least 5% of their initial body weight during the program were then invited to participate in a weight loss maintenance trial. Individuals in the maintenance trial were randomized to either a traditional weight loss maintenance program or to an enhanced program that involved novel social support strategies. There was no cost to participate. This study is no longer recruiting.
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PACE (Physical Activity Choices Everyday). PACE was testing new strategies for weight management and physical activity promotion. PACE participants were given access to a free 4-month internet behavioral weight loss program. Those who lost at least 5% of their initial body weight during the program were eligible to participate in a 4-month weight loss maintenance trial. Individuals in the maintenance trial received a traditional group-based weight loss maintenance program and used a mobile app to do brief daily activities to help reach diet and exercise goals. This study is no longer recruiting. 

INSPIRE. INSPIRE examined the efficacy of different types of health coaches for weight loss. Individuals in this study were randomized to behavioral weight loss treatment alone, behavioral weight loss treatment plus coaching from a successful weight loser (someone who lost 10% and kept it off), or behavioral weight loss treatment plus coaching from a peer (another member of their weight loss group). The primary outcome of this study was weight loss at 12-months. This study is no longer recruiting.

Project TEAMS (Talking about Eating, Activity, and Mutual Support). TEAMS examined how to help couples lose weight together. Couples in this study were randomized to either a standard behavioral weight loss program or to a behavioral weight loss program that provided additional information about how spouses could support each other through the weight loss process. The primary outcome of this study was weight loss at 6-months. This study is no longer recruiting.

LEAP (Lifestyle Eating and Activity Program). LEAP examined whether changing the physical and social home environment produced better weight loss outcomes than standard behavioral treatment. Participants were randomized to either a behavioral weight loss treatment program or to an enhanced program that made several modifications to the home environment including changing the types and portion sizes of foods in the home, increasing access to opportunities for physical activity and decreasing access to sedentary activities, and enlisting a support partner in the home to participate in treatment. Weight loss at 6 and 18-months was examined. This study is no longer recruiting.
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ECHO (Early Childhood Obesity) Program. ECHO examined whether an obesity prevention curriculum delivered by community health workers during an infant’s first year of life could promote appropriate weight gain and healthy eating and activity habits during this critical developmental window. Mother-infant dyads enrolled in Connecticut’s Nurturing Families Network received either the standard home visitation program or additional intervention around key targets (e.g., breastfeeding, delayed introduction of solids). Infant eating habits, health behaviors, and weight at 6-months were the primary outcomes. This study is no longer recruiting.