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OpenTrials
Active, Not Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT05796141

Becoming United in Lifestyle Decisions

The goal of this project is to investigate how to enhance the effects of an online-only (mHealth) couples weight loss program. This study will use an innovative methodological framework, the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST), to test four different strategies for weight loss and partner support in addition to a core intervention (i.e., dyadic action planning, joint feedback on goal progress, autonomy support training, and home environment modifications).

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Key information

Conditions

Overweight and Obesity Body Weight Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Obesity Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

UConn's Weight Management Research Group

Hartford, Connecticut, 06103, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Married/cohabitating couple - both partners must be eligible
  • BMI between 25-55kg/m2
  • English speaking/reading
  • Have a smartphone and reliable internet access
  • Have active email address
  • Willing to videoconference

Exclusion criteria

  • Report being unable to walk 2 blocks without stopping
  • Are currently participating in weight loss treatment, have a history of bariatric surgery, or lost ≥5% in the past 6-months
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the study period
  • Report chest pain or loss of consciousness on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire
  • Report a medical condition that could jeopardize their safety in a weight control program with diet and exercise guidelines
  • Report conditions that, in the judgment of the PI, would render them unlikely to follow the protocol (e.g. dementia)

Treatment and study plan

Core Behavioral Weight Loss (BWL) Intervention

Behavioral

Behavioral weight loss core (lessons, self weighing, self-monitoring, individual action planning, feedback and progress check ins)

Dyadic Action Planning

Behavioral

Participants will develop dyadic action plans together.

Joint Feedback

Behavioral

Participants will see data on their partner's progress, in addition to their own weight and behavioral data.

Autonomy Support Training

Behavioral

Participants will receive training in how to create an autonomy supportive environment within their marriage/partnership.

Home Environment Modifications

Behavioral

Participants will be trained in how to structure their home environment to support health behavior.

Primary outcomes

  1. Body Weight (kg)

    Time frame: Baseline to 6 months

    Weight change from baseline to 6 months. Weight will be objectively measured on a digital scale in the participant's home and weight change will be calculated.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Goal Coordination (Wingrove Goal Coordination Scale)

    Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months

    Goal coordination (the extent to which partners integrate and align their weight management goals) will be measured with the Wingrove Goal Coordination Scale at baseline, 3, and 6 months.

  2. Transactive Density

    Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months

    Interdependence of partners will be measured with the Inclusion of Others in the Self Scale at baseline, 3, and 6 months.

  3. Shared Goal Representation

    Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months

    The Important Others Questionnaire will be used to capture shared goal representation at baseline, 3, and 6 months.

  4. Home Food Environment (Household Food Inventory)

    Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months

    The home food environment will be measured with the Household Food Inventory, administered at baseline, 3, and 6 months.

  5. Home Exercise Environment (Exercise Environment Questionnaire)

    Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months

    The home exercise environment will be measured with the Exercise Environment Questionnaire, administered at baseline, 3, and 6 months.

  6. Dietary Intake

    Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months

    Dietary intake will be assessed at baseline and 3 months as a hypothesized behavioral mediator and at 6 months as a secondary outcome measure.

  7. Physical Activity (Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire)

    Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months

    Physical activity will be assessed using the Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline and 3 months as a hypothesized behavioral mediator and at 6 months as a secondary outcome measure.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Connecticut

Other

Collaborators

  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Registry information

Official study title

Optimizing a Couples-Based mHealth Intervention for Weight Management

Acronym: BUILD

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 3, 2023
Registry last updated
Jun 9, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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