Reducing Weight and Elevated Stress Levels Using Educational and Behavioral Tools

Improving Weight Loss Outcomes of Black Women Using a Culturally-Relevant Stress-Management Enhanced Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention

The purpose of this protocol is to test the effects on weight of an evidence-based behavioral weight loss program enhanced with culturally targeted stress management strategies compared to the evidence-based weight loss program alone among adult black females with obesity and elevated stress levels. Participants will be randomized to receive either a behavioral weight loss intervention with a focus on stress management or the weight loss intervention alone for 26 sessions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI of at least 30 kg/m^2
• elevated stress levels based on perceived stress scale score
• self-identified as black race

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnant or are planning to become pregnant in the next year
• known major medical or psychological condition known to influence body weight loss (e.g., medicated or poorly controlled diabetes (fasting blood glucose > 126 mg/dL), cardiovascular event in the preceding 12 months, history of gastric bypass surgery, bariatric surgery, or eating disorder)
• history of psychiatric hospitalization in past 2 years
• history of substance abuse or eating disorder
• any condition for which a medical professional has suggested diet modification, physical activity, and/or weight reduction would be contraindicated.
• currently taking medications for weight loss