NCT06335810 · Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Reducing Obesity Using Social Ties Program
(ROBUST)
What this study is about
This trial aims to test the feasibility and acceptability of addressing interpersonal barriers to weight-related behavior change.
View original scientific description
This trial aims to test the feasibility and acceptability of addressing interpersonal barriers to weight-related behavior change. Specifically, the study will test if, by including up to two friends, family members, or co-workers in a lifestyle intervention for weight loss, the person enrolled in the study loses more weight than someone whose friends, family members, or co-workers were not invited to participate.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Social Network Intervention
Social Network interventions are an intentional effort to modify or use the characteristics of social networks to improve, generate, and maintain healthy behaviors among individuals and populations. This study will focus on implementing a behavioral social-network intervention to promote changes in weight loss behaviors.
BEHAVIORAL
Individual Lifestyle Intervention
The individual lifestyle intervention will serve as the control group and will implement the use of DPP based health coaching sessions to promote individual level changes in weight loss behaviors.
OTHER
Social Network Member
The social network member will serve as the friend, family member, or co-worker nominated to participate in the social network intervention by the social network intervention participant.
Primary outcome measures
Number of participants who have attended at least 75 percent of the behavioral coaching sessions
Time frame: End of study (24 weeks)
Number of intervention participants who have at least one social network member engage in the study
Time frame: End of Study (24 weeks)
Number of participants and social network members combined who complete the final study assessment
Time frame: End of Study (24 Weeks)
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
- Index Participant:
- Black race or Hispanic ethnicity
- Male or Female 18 years of age or older
- Calculated BMI \> 30kg/m2 from objectively measured height and weight by study staff
- Access \& willingness to use program food intake app via home computer or a smartphone
- Ability to identify at least one adult social network member who will participate in the study
- Social Network Member:
- Male or Female 18 years of age or older
- Access to the internet or a smartphone
Exclusion criteria
- Index Participant:
- Active enrollment in a weight-loss program, use of weight-loss medications, or planning weight-loss surgery
- Advanced medical illness, dementia, hospitalization, injury, or pregnancy that inhibits regular physical activity
- Contraindications to exercise based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire or lack of clearance from a health care provider
- Unresolved Food insecurity
- Speaks a language other than English or Spanish
- Social Network Member:
- Speaks a language other than English or Spanish
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Related conditions & keywords
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 Apr 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations