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Obesity PreventionOPT-XNCT06785064

Optimizing an Extended Care Intervention to Promote Weight Loss Maintenance

A study testing Reduced Food Variety (RFV), Home-based Resistance Training (HBRT) and Buddy Training and Support (BTS) in people with Obesity Prevention and Weight Change, run by University of Alabama at Birmingham at 1 site in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The purpose of this study is to find out what combination of components, if any, offers the best support for keeping weight off after someone loses weight. Long term weight loss maintenance is a challenge for many people who lose weight. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Obesity Prevention, Weight Change, Weight Loss
What is being tested?
Reduced Food Variety (RFV), Home-based Resistance Training (HBRT) and Buddy Training and Support (BTS)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
544 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
2 Dec 2025to 28 Feb 2029
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age >18 years
  • Body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2
  • Has regular access to internet (to access Zoom videoconferencing platform)
  • If indicated during screening, willing to obtain medical clearance for exercise from their healthcare provider prior to enrollment

Who cannot join

  • Current or recent (past 6 months) use of prescription weight loss medications
  • Weight loss >10 pounds in past 6 months (other than postpartum)
  • Pregnancy or anticipating pregnancy
  • Another household member already participating in the study
  • Participation in another randomized research project
  • Uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure >160/100 mm Hg at screening)
Show all 12Show fewer
  • Any of the following other medical conditions: myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident within the last 6 months; unstable angina within the past 6 months; NYHA Class III or IV congestive heart failure; type 1 diabetes; and chronic lung diseases that limit physical activity
  • Unable to identify potential buddy (i.e., adult friend or family member) for extended care intervention phase
  • Residing >50 miles from the university (to attend assessment visits)
  • Planning to relocate out of the area in the next 18 months
  • Does not have internet access
  • Unwilling or unable to do any of the following: give informed consent; read/understand English; accept random assignment

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Gareth Dutton contact

205-934-6876

gdutton@uabmc.edu

Amy Dobelstein contact

205-975-1059

adobelst@uabmc.edu

United States1 site, 1 recruiting
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35205

    Gareth Dutton, PhD, 205-934-6876, gdutton@uabmc.edu

    Amy Dobelstein, 205-975-1059, adobelst@uabmc.edu

    Recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: OPT-X: OPTimizing an EXtended Care Intervention to Promote Weight Loss Maintenance

The purpose of this study is to find out what combination of components, if any, offers the best support for keeping weight off after someone loses weight. Long term weight loss maintenance is a challenge for many people who lose weight. There are many strategies, or components, people may use to avoid regain, but investigators do not know if there is a best, or optimal, combination of such components that can be done without adding a lot of cost or other burdens for people.

  • The primary goal of this clinical trial is to identify the optimal package that maximizes weight loss maintenance.
  • The study also wants to understand the reasons why these components may work and if certain components help specific sub-groups of people.
Read more

Participants will engage in a 16-week Phase 1 Weight Loss Program. Participants who lose 5% or more of their weight during that program will continue to Phase 2 Extended Care and be randomly assigned to 0, 1, 2, 3, or all of four methods of weight loss maintenance. They will use their assigned package for 12 months. Researchers will compare 16 different possible combinations of components and learn which of the 16 packages offers the best support for keeping weight off.

The four components participants could be assigned to in Phase 2 are:

  1. Reduced Food Variety: Limiting the variety of foods participants eat by having them choose a few high-calorie, low nutrient foods to eat regularly
  2. Home-based Resistance Training: Engaging in exercises that build strength from the comfort of the participant's own home
  3. Buddy Training and Support: Having a friend or "buddy" get trained to support the participant
  4. Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Workshops: Having participants learn skills to handle tough thoughts and feelings about weight control in a healthy way

Participants will have their weight measured and complete surveys 4 times if they complete both Phase 1 and Phase 2. During Phase 1, participants will attend weekly group sessions and be in touch with a study staff member investigators call a Wellness Coach. During Phase 2, participants will stay in touch with their Wellness Coach, use their assigned package, and answer questions about their experience periodically.

Being tested
Reduced Food Variety (RFV), Home-based Resistance Training (HBRT), Buddy Training and Support (BTS), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Workshops
Keywords
weight loss maintenance, weight loss, weight change, health behavior, reduced food variety, ACT workshop, buddy support, home-based resistance training, weight training
Medical subject headings
Body Weight Changes, Weight Loss, Health Behavior

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Reduced Food Variety (RFV)Behavioural

    Participants engaged in reduced food variety (RFV) will be asked to choose a few high-calorie, low nutrient main meals and snacks to eat regularly. At the beginning of each month, they will choose one main meal (entrée) to eat at least 2 times a week and one snack food to eat at least 4 times a week within the month. They will have the option to keep or change their main meal and snack options from month to month.

  • Home-based Resistance Training (HBRT)Behavioural

    Also called Strength Training, Resistance Training, Weight Lifting, Lifting Weights

    Participants assigned to receive home-based resistance training (also called strength training or lifting weights) will be asked to engage in at-home exercises that strengthen muscles at least 2 days each week (≤45 minutes per home session) and track their progress. They will be asked to attend 6, 1-hour group-based skills training workshops (in-person and/or remotely via Zoom) during the first two months of Phase 2 to learn these skills. They will receive exercise plans and equipment (sets of dumbbells, a rack to hold the dumbbells, and an exercise mat) needed to complete exercises.

  • Buddy Training and Support (BTS)Behavioural

    Also called Buddy Support

    Participants assigned to buddy training and support will be asked to identify an eligible friend or family member who is over 18 years old that can be their "buddy". Study staff will contact the buddy to be sure they are eligible, willing, and have all the details they need. The participant's buddy will be asked to attend up to 6 training sessions with the study staff, so they can learn the best ways to support the participant during the program. After the buddy completes training, they will be asked to check in with the participant 1-2 times each week about their progress.

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) WorkshopsBehavioural

    Also called ACT Workshop

    Participants assigned to receive Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Workshops will be asked to attend 6, 1-hour group-based skills training workshops (in-person and/or remotely via Zoom) during the first three months of Phase 2. These workshops will help them develop skills to handle tough thoughts about weight control, keep their values in mind, and be mindful of their decisions and the impact of their decisions related to weight control. They will also be asked to apply ACT skills regularly during the rest of Phase 2.

Study groups in NCT06785064
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Package 1: No WLM ComponentsNo interventionParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance only.
Package 2: One WLM Component - BTSActive comparatorParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance and Buddy Training and Support.
Receives: Behavioral: Buddy Training and Support (BTS)
Package 3: One WLM Component - HBRTActive comparatorParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance and Home-based Resistance Training
Receives: Behavioral: Home-based Resistance Training (HBRT)
Package 4: Two WLM Components - HBRT+BTSActive comparatorParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance as well as Home-based Resistance Training and Buddy Training and Support.
Receives: Behavioral: Home-based Resistance Training (HBRT); Behavioral: Buddy Training and Support (BTS)
Package 5: One WLM Component - ACTActive comparatorParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance as well as Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Workshops.
Receives: Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Workshops
Package 6: Two WLM Components - BTS+ACTActive comparatorParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance as well as Buddy Training and Support and ACT Workshops.
Receives: Behavioral: Buddy Training and Support (BTS); Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Workshops
Package 7: Two WLM Components - HBRT+ACTActive comparatorParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance as well as Home-based Resistance Training and ACT Workshops.
Receives: Behavioral: Home-based Resistance Training (HBRT); Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Workshops
Package 8: Three WLM Components - HBRT+BTS+ACTActive comparatorParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance as well as Home-based Resistance Training, Buddy Training and Support, and ACT Workshops.
Receives: Behavioral: Home-based Resistance Training (HBRT); Behavioral: Buddy Training and Support (BTS); Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Workshops
Package 9: One WLM Component - RFVActive comparatorParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance as well as Reduced Food Variety.
Receives: Behavioral: Reduced Food Variety (RFV)
Package 10: Two WLM Components - RFV+BTSActive comparatorParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance as well as Reduced Food Variety and Buddy Training and Support
Receives: Behavioral: Reduced Food Variety (RFV); Behavioral: Buddy Training and Support (BTS)
Package 11: Two WLM Components - RFV+HBRTActive comparatorParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance as well as Reduced Food Variety and Home-based Resistance Training.
Receives: Behavioral: Reduced Food Variety (RFV); Behavioral: Home-based Resistance Training (HBRT)
Package 12: Three WLM Components - RFV+HBRT+BTSActive comparatorParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance as well as Reduced Food Variety, Home-based Resistance Training, and Buddy Training and Support.
Receives: Behavioral: Reduced Food Variety (RFV); Behavioral: Home-based Resistance Training (HBRT); Behavioral: Buddy Training and Support (BTS)
Package 13: Two WLM Components - RFV+ACTActive comparatorParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance as well as Reduced Food Variety and ACT Workshops.
Receives: Behavioral: Reduced Food Variety (RFV); Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Workshops
Package 14: Three WLM Components - RFV+BTS+ACTActive comparatorParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance as well as Reduced Food Variety, Buddy Training and Support, and ACT Workshops.
Receives: Behavioral: Reduced Food Variety (RFV); Behavioral: Buddy Training and Support (BTS); Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Workshops
Package 15: Three WLM Components - RFV+HBRT+ACTActive comparatorParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance as well as Reduced Food Variety, Home-based Resistance Training, and ACT Workshops.
Receives: Behavioral: Reduced Food Variety (RFV); Behavioral: Home-based Resistance Training (HBRT); Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Workshops
Package 16: Four WLM Components: RFV+HBRT+BTS+ACTExperimentalParticipants will receive education and support for weight loss maintenance as well as Reduced Food Variety, Home-based Resistance Training, Buddy Training and Support, and ACT Workshops.
Receives: Behavioral: Reduced Food Variety (RFV); Behavioral: Home-based Resistance Training (HBRT); Behavioral: Buddy Training and Support (BTS); Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Workshops

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in weight from time of randomization to 12 months

    The primary outcome of the study is the change in weight measurement from the time of randomization (after Phase 1 initial weight loss/the beginning of Phase 2) until the follow up visit 12 months later. Participants' body weight will be measured to the nearest 0.1 kg at each point using a calibrated electronic scale. The change between these two measures will be calculated.

    Measured: 12 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted20 Jan 2025
  2. Study start2 Dec 2025
  3. Primary completion30 Nov 2028 (estimated)
  4. Study completion28 Feb 2029 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Factorial
Model description
Investigators used the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) as the ideal approach for the proposed study as, with the four proposed intervention components, identifying an optimal intervention through a single randomized controlled trial (RCT) with multiple arms or through multiple RCTs would be methodologically inefficient and resource-intensive. Given this, investigators rely on the eloquent and rigorous MOST-based optimization design, which leverages factorial experimentation to identify an optimal set of intervention component(s). In a factorial experiment, the goal is not to compare individual experimental conditions (in this case, 16 conditions), but to use combinations of conditions to estimate the main and interaction effects of the intervention components. Thus, numerous intervention components can be evaluated simultaneously while utilizing the entire randomized sample.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
544 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06785064
Sponsor's protocol ID
IRB-300013598
Other IDs
R01DK139059
Acronym
OPT-X
Status last verified
Jan 2026
First submitted
15 Jan 2025
Last updated
7 Jan 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Dutton GR, Kinsey AW, Tanner RM, Krantz O, Dobelstein A, Dong C, Baidwan N, Mehta T, Butryn ML, Raynor HA, Spring B. Optimizing an extended care intervention to promote weight loss maintenance: Protocol for the OPT-X multiphase optimization strategy factorial trial. Contemp Clin Trials. 2026 Aug 27;170:108448. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2026.108448. Online ahead of print.

    PubMed 42660284

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Reduced Food Variety (RFV), Home-based Resistance Training (HBRT) and Buddy Training and Support (BTS) in people with Obesity Prevention and Weight Change, run by University of Alabama at Birmingham at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 12 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Gareth Dutton (205-934-6876, gdutton@uabmc.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in weight from time of randomization to 12 months (time frame: 12 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06785064, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 Jan 2026.

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