Facebook and Friends: Developing an Effective Online Social Network for Weight Loss

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Weight Loss

In brief

In a pilot randomized trial of 160 obese participants, investigators will test the feasibility of a behavioral weight loss program delivered entirely via Facebook. We will recruit in 2 separate waves of 80 participants each. Participants will be randomized to: 1) a condition with study participants only or 2) to a condition they will be able to invite their friends into (wave 1) or one in which the study team keeps recruitment open to allow enrollment through week 8 (wave 2). All participants will receive behavioral counseling via the private Facebook group from the coaches who are present on the network daily. Participants will track their diet and exercise via a free commercial mobile app.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT02656680

Run by

University of Connecticut

People needed

134

Starts

2018-02-01

Expected to finish

2020-03-31

Last updated by the study team

2024-03-21

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Participants must be:
• 18-65 years of age;
• Have a BMI 27-45 kg/m²;
• Lives in the United States; and
• Have daily internet access;

You may not qualify if…

• Does not post on Facebook at least once per week
• Comments on someone else's post on Facebook less than once per week
• Does not currently use a smartphone;
• Is not familiar with using phone apps;
• Pregnant and/or lactating;
• Meets criteria for severe depression on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (score of >20);
• Had bariatric surgery, plans to during the study;
• Has had a weight loss of 5% or greater within previous 3 months;
• Meets criteria for Binge Eating Disorder;
• Condition that precludes lifestyle changes (i.e. a condition that prevents physical activity increase or dietary changes);
• Medications affecting weight;
• Incapable of walking ¼ mile without stopping;
• Type 1 or 2 diabetes;
• Participated in previous weight loss studies under the PI;
• Has concerns about being in a Facebook group with other faculty, staff, or students from the University of Connecticut;
• Has concerns about being audiotaped;
• Inability to provide consent;
• Prisoners; and
• Non-English speaking

Where it is running

• University of Connecticut — Storrs, Connecticut, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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