Medically Intensive Nutrition Therapy Program for Obesity and Diabetes in a Low-income Population

The Medically Intensive Nutritional Therapy (MINT) program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Weight Center is a low-calorie nutrition plan that may offer a solution for those who have difficulty implementing a low-calorie dietary plan on their own. This study examines the effects of MINT on weight loss and blood sugar control specifically in a low-income population and explores potential reasons for discontinuing the program.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18-65
• Body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 27 kg/m^2
• HgA1C greater than or equal to 5.7 percent or fasting glucose greater than or equal to 100mg/dL within the previous 6 months
• Low-income as defined by having a family income at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level guidelines for 2022

Exclusion criteria

• Current use of antihyperglycemic agents (other than metformin) or approved anti- obesity medications or plans to start such regimens over the 3 months post-study enrollment
• HbA1c greater than or equal to 10 percent
• Plans to pursue bariatric surgery over the 6 months post-study enrollment
• Weight loss of greater than 5 kg within the previous 3 months
• Current active eating disorder, with the exception of binge eating disorder
• Severe active psychiatric disease or significant cognitive impairment deemed by investigator likely to impede adherence to piloted intervention
• Active illicit substance abuse
• Pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering pregnancy within the next 6 months
• Current participation in another clinical research trial deemed by investigator to conflict with current study