WE Project: 2.0 Grassroots Wellness Coaching (Phase 2)

WE Project: 2.0 Grassroots Wellness Coaching. Using Grassroots Wellness Coaching to Enhance Reach and Sustainability of Behavioral Weight Management (Phase 2)

African American adults that live in economically disadvantaged areas are at an increased risk for obesity and cardiometabolic disease. The treatment program being tested in this research study aims to address these factors and improve cardiometabolic health outcomes for the study population. The purpose of this research study is to find out about the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of using house chats (HC) as a model for a weight management program in a real-world, community-based setting.

The pilot trial will utilize a cluster randomized controlled design to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the house chat model as a grassroots approach to lifestyle intervention delivery in a community setting. Four wards will be randomly assigned to either intervention or a delayed intervention control. A total of 10 HCL will be recruited and trained across the two wards (5 in the intervention ward and 5 in delayed intervention ward). HCL will recruit members of their social network (>18 years of age) to participate in a 12-week lifestyle intervention delivered via weekly group meetings in the HCL's homes. The primary goal is to understand the feasibility and acceptability of this novel approach to intervention delivery, and as such, process data on recruitment, training, fidelity of intervention delivery, and satisfaction with the sessions will be collected on a weekly basis. In addition, in-person assessment visits will take place at 0, 12 weeks (post-treatment) and 24 weeks (follow up) to determine the preliminary effectiveness of this intervention to promote positive changes on adiposity (weight and waist circumference), other cardiometabolic risk factors (e.g., fasting glucose) and behavioral risk factors (physical activity and diet quality). In addition, the investigators will employ a mixed methods approach (process data, surveys, in-depth interviews with HCL, participants and key stakeholders) to assess factors that might promote and / or interfere with sustainability over long-term follow up to inform our future clinical trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 or older
• Resident of Petersburg, VA

Exclusion Criteria:

• Dx of type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Current treatment for cancer
• Medical conditions that may increase risk for participating in unsupervised physical activity unless medical provider provides consent for participation
• Hospitalization for depression or other psychiatric disorder within the past 12 months
• Uncontrolled psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder
• Currently pregnant or lactating or planning to become pregnant within the study period
• Current involvement in a weight loss program or current use of weight loss medication
• Inability to speak and read English
• Planning to move from the Petersburg area within the study period