When traditional weight-loss methods don't work: HealthPartners researchers seeking participants for weight loss study

BestFit study funded by NIH grant

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — May 5, 2015 — A study funded by a $2.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health is the first of its kind to test whether different treatment programs are more effective for different types of people including those who have the most trouble losing weight. Headed by Principal Investigator Nancy Sherwood, PhD, the BestFIT study seeks to find the right approach for the right person at the right time using a novel study design.

Half of traditional diets do not work

“There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss,” Dr. Sherwood says. “This is the first weight-loss study to take people having trouble losing weight and finding the best treatment strategy for them.” Most weight-loss approaches don’t take individual factors into account, and only about half of people trying traditional behavioral weight loss therapy lose a meaningful (8% to 10%) amount of weight by the end of a weight loss program,” Sherwood says.

Study will test a new weight loss approach

The researchers aim to determine if they can improve that statistic by identifying people early in a traditional program who would likely benefit from a different strategy such as a portion controlled meal program or an enhanced set of skills to manage overeating. Traditional programs include eating plans to set a certain amount of calories per day, physical activity, self monitoring such as keeping a journal and limiting food choices in their environment to healthy options.

Who is eligible

Participants must be available to attend weekly one-on-one sessions with a weight loss coach for six months at HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research near the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. They must be 21 to 70 years old, be in generally in good health and be able to walk for exercise.

Researchers are recruiting 500 people to participate in the study. Those interested can email bestfit@healthpartners.com or call us at 952-967-6760.

The five-year study includes researchers from Drexel University, the University of Michigan, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Washington.