NCT06619041 · VA Office of Research and Development
HealthyTogether: RCT of a Dyadic Weight Management Intervention
What this study is about
Four in five Veterans have overweight or obesity. However, few eligible Veterans achieve meaningful weight loss in VA's national MOVE! Weight Management Program. Family and friends strongly influence a person's health behaviors and weight. Including a close family member or friend in weight management may improve weight management outcomes.
View original scientific description
Four in five Veterans have overweight or obesity. However, few eligible Veterans achieve meaningful weight loss in VA's national MOVE! Weight Management Program. Family and friends strongly influence a person's health behaviors and weight. Including a close family member or friend in weight management may improve weight management outcomes. This study will test whether an 14-week, 8-session virtual weight management program that includes Veterans and a support person (e.g., family member or friend) leads to weight loss. The investigators will also test whether the program leads to improvements in weight-related health behaviors, including physical activity and diet, and relationship quality.
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
- Veteran participants:
- Age 18 or higher.
- Assigned to a VA primary care provider.
- Have a weight measurement (BMI\>=30) recorded in the VA medical record within 16 weeks prior to enrollment.
- Have a second, valid weight measurement recorded in the VA medical record within the prior year.
- Have a BMI\>=30 at enrollment.
- Able to participate in virtual intervention sessions during regular business hours. Partner participants:
- Age 18 or higher.
- Able to participate in virtual intervention sessions during regular business hours.
- Speak with Veteran at last weekly.
- Live in the same state where Veteran receives VA care.
Exclusion criteria
- Veterans are excluded if:
- not fluent in English
- have severe hearing loss prohibiting participation
- have a dementia diagnosis
- have recently (within the past 3 months) participated in a clinical or research behavioral weight management program
- have a history of (within past 2 years) or plans to (within next 6 months) have bariatric surgery
- are pregnant, postpartum, nursing, or planning to become pregnant within 6 months
- are receiving cancer (non-skin) treatment
- have drug or alcohol dependence not in remission, a recent suicide attempt, active psychosis, or an active behavior flag in the medical record
- report high-levels of alcohol use (AUDIT-C score \>=8)
- are receiving hospice or palliative care
- are living in a nursing home or assisted living facility
- are enrolled in VA home-based primary care
- have end stage renal disease
- have a current or past diagnosis of anorexia or bulimia
- have had an inpatient hospitalization in the past 3 months
- weigh more than 440 pounds (this is the upper limit of the study's scales) Partners are excluded if:
- not fluent in English
- have severe hearing loss prohibiting participation
- endorse having a health condition that may limit their ability to participate in the intervention
- report high-levels of current alcohol use (AUDIT-C score \>=8)
- are receiving hospice or palliative care
- are living in a nursing home or assisted living facility
Where
- Aurora, Colorado
- Seattle, Washington
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 Jun 26, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations