NCT07792837 · San Diego State University
An Online Intuitive Eating Program for Pregnant Women With Obesity to Support Well-Being
What this study is about
The goal of this feasibility randomly assigned controlled trial is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and demand, as well as preliminary effects of an evidence-based Intuitive Eating (IE) intervention among pregnant women who have obesity.
View original scientific description
The goal of this feasibility randomized controlled trial is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and demand, as well as preliminary effects of an evidence-based Intuitive Eating (IE) intervention among pregnant women who have obesity. The main questions we aim to answer are: RQ1: What is the feasibility (acceptability and demand) of implementing an Intuitive Eating Intervention among pregnant and postpartum women? RQ2: How does participation in the Pregnancy Intuitive Eating Intervention (PIE-I) impact key maternal health outcomes (i.e., gestational weight gain, intuitive eating behaviors, dietary quality, body image, and mental health) compared to a wait-list control? Researchers will compare the Pregnancy Intuitive Eating Intervention (PIE-I) intervention group with the wait-list control to see what impact the PIE-I has on maternal well-being. Participants randomized to the intervention group will complete the 8 week asynchronous IE intervention and have an opportunity to interview at the end of the study.
Interventions
OTHER
Intuitive Eating Intervention
The (PIE-I) will be based on the IE Book \& Workbook published by RDNs Evelyn Tribole \& Elyse Resch. Each week, participants will be asked to watch 20 minute online modules and complete 1-2 workbook pages. Optional office hours will be held by Certified Intuitive Eating Counselors. The online modules are as follows: Week 1: Orientation of IE framework, overview of 10 Intuitive Eating Principles, and Principle 1-Reject Diet Culture Week 2: Principle 2-Honor Hunger \& Principle 3-Make Peace with Food Week 3: Principle 4-Discover the Satisfaction Factor Week 4: Principle 5-Feel Fullness Week 5: Principle 6-Challenge the Food Police Week 6: Principle 7-Cope with Emotions with Kindness Week 7: Principle 8-Respect Body\& Principle 9 -Movement: Feel the Difference Week 8: Principle 10-Honor Health with Gentle Nutrition, wrap-up and conclusion of modules
Primary outcome measures
Intervention Acceptability as Assessed by the Post-Intervention Satisfaction Survey at 8 Weeks
Time frame: 8 weeks
Intervention acceptability will be assessed using a post-intervention satisfaction survey administered at 8 weeks. Participants will rate satisfaction with the intervention, intention to continue using intuitive eating principles, and perceived appropriateness of the intervention content for pregnancy on a 1-5 scale. The feasibility benchmark will be met if ≥70% of participants provide a rating of ≥4 for each indicator.
Burden of the Intervention at 8 Weeks
Time frame: 8 Weeks
Perceived intervention burden will be assessed using a post-intervention survey on a 1-5 scale, with higher scores indicating greater perceived burden. The feasibility benchmark will be a mean burden rating of ≤2.5.
Participant Retention Through the 8-Week Intervention
Time frame: Baseline through 8 weeks
Retention will be calculated as the proportion of enrolled participants who complete the intervention and 8-week post-intervention assessment. The feasibility benchmark is ≥80% retention (≥64 of 80 enrolled participants).
Participant Adherence to the Intervention During the 8-Week Intervention
Time frame: Baseline through 8 weeks
Intervention adherence will be assessed using Moodle analytics. Participants will be considered adherent if they complete at least 6 of the 8 intervention modules. The feasibility benchmark will be met if ≥70% of participants meet this adherence criterion.
Participant Engagement with the Intervention During the 8-Week Intervention
Time frame: Baseline through 8 weeks
Participant engagement will be assessed using Moodle and Zoom analytics. Platform interactions will include logins, module views, and attendance at weekly Zoom office hours. The feasibility benchmark will be a median of ≥1 platform interaction per participant per week during the 8-week intervention.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age ≥18 years
- Pregnant women between 12 weeks and \<22 weeks gestation
- Pre-pregnancy BMI 30.0 kg/m² or greater
- Able to read and understand English (for intervention materials and questionnaires)
- Receiving prenatal care at UC San Diego Health (UCSD)
- Reliable access to a device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, or computer) with internet connection
Exclusion criteria
- Current or past diagnosis of an eating disorder (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID)
- High-risk pregnancy or medical complications that may significantly affect diet, physical activity, or weight gain (e.g., gestational diabetes requiring insulin, preeclampsia, hyperemesis gravidarum)
- Multiple gestation pregnancy (e.g., twins or higher-order multiples)
- Current participation in another nutrition, weight management, or behavioral intervention study
- Severe psychiatric illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) or current substance use disorder that would interfere with participation
- Inability to provide informed consent or comply with study procedures
Where
- San Diego, California
Collaborators
University of California, San Diego
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations