Weight-Neutral Health Intervention (WIN) for adults with BMI ≥30 kg/m²: protocol for a single-arm feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Clinical Intervention Research

Background:

• Weight stigma and internalised weight bias negatively impact health.
• Weight-neutral approaches focus on well-being and sustainable health behaviors.
• Feasibility and acceptability of weight-neutral interventions require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a codesigned weight-neutral health intervention.
• To inform the design of a future pragmatic, multicentre, randomised trial.
• To explore clinical outcomes and contextual factors of the intervention.

Main Methods:

• Single-arm feasibility study (NCT06922630) with 56 adults (BMI ≥30 kg/m²).
• 6-month intervention: group sessions on intuitive eating, body acceptance, self-compassion; optional support.
• Outcomes: feasibility (completion, recruitment, adherence), clinical (questionnaires, measures, biomarkers, actigraphy), and qualitative data.

Main Results:

• Primary feasibility outcome: follow-up completion rate.
• Secondary feasibility outcomes: recruitment proportion and adherence.
• Exploratory outcomes: data completeness, participant engagement, clinical measures, biomarkers, physical activity, sleep, and adverse events.

Conclusions:

• The study will determine progression criteria for a larger randomized trial.
• Results will inform the selection of outcomes, setting, sample size, and procedures for future research.
• Feasibility and acceptability data are crucial for advancing weight-neutral health interventions.