Reducing Obesity Using Social Ties (ROBUST): Protocol for a randomized control trial of a social network lifestyle...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Social Network Analysis

Background:

• Obesity remains a significant public health concern, particularly among Black and Hispanic adults.
• Existing lifestyle interventions show variable success, highlighting the need for innovative approaches.
• Social network dynamics are increasingly recognized as potential modulators of health behaviors and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of social network processes on weight loss within a lifestyle intervention.
• To evaluate a social network-enhanced lifestyle intervention compared to standard care.
• To specifically address weight management in underserved Black and Hispanic populations.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 132 adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2).
• Participants self-identify as Black or Hispanic.
• Intervention includes recruiting social network members for skill-building alongside individual coaching.

Main Results:

• The study aims to provide pragmatic evidence on the efficacy of social network interventions.
• It will measure changes in diet, physical activity, affect, social processes, and anthropometrics.
• Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 24 weeks post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• This research offers novel insights into optimizing weight loss through communal coping within social networks.
• It targets a population historically less responsive to traditional weight loss strategies.
• Findings could inform more effective, culturally tailored obesity interventions.