Evaluating the Feasibility of a Dietary Weight Loss Program to Overcome Obesity and Its Comorbidity Among Arab Populations

Asma Yahya

Status: Completed

Conditions: Overweight and Obesity

Treatments: Behavioral: Education sessions

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06415695

IRB23-0344

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to develop and test a culturally tailored online weight loss program for the Saudi population. Building upon the success of a previous program in the United States, the research team will adapt educational materials and conduct a pilot study to assess the feasibility and initial outcomes of the program among Arab participants. The study seeks to answer questions about the program's acceptability, effectiveness, and scalability, with the ultimate goal of combating obesity and its related health issues in Saudi Arabia.

Full description

This research project aims to help Saudi individuals lose weight in a way that suits their culture. Obesity is a significant problem and can lead to serious health issues like diabetes and heart problems. Even though Saudi Arabia has attempted to help individuals lose weight before, previous efforts haven't been successful enough. Therefore, the investigators aim to develop a new weight loss program that is better suited to Saudi individuals.

First, educational materials will be created in Arabic to teach individuals how to eat better and live healthier. Then, collaboration will be undertaken with individuals in Saudi Arabia to ensure the program fits their needs. Afterward, the program will be tested with a small group of individuals to evaluate its effectiveness and acceptability.

Approximately 20 individuals will be invited to join the program at King Abdullah Medical City. They will participate in ten online sessions, where they will learn about healthy eating and lifestyle improvements. Additionally, they will regularly weigh themselves. Data will be collected before and after the program to assess its impact on weight loss and overall well-being.

By the end of the project, the investigators hope to have developed an effective program that assists Saudi individuals in losing weight and maintaining good health.

Enrollment: 20 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 75 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adults within the age range of 18 to 75 years old
• Individuals with a BMI greater than 25 kg/m²
• Proficient in the Arabic language
• Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Not using glucagon-like peptide -1 (GLP-1) or any weight loss medications
• Have not undergone bariatric surgery
• Possess Wi-Fi connectivity at their residence
• Own a smartphone
• Willing to provide consent for participation in 10 educational sessions spanning three months.

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals not meeting the inclusion criteria.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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20 participants in 1 patient group

A single-group, pre-post design to evaluate a three-month weight loss intervention in adult.

Experimental group

Description:

Ten 40-minute education sessions appropriate to Saudi people will be developed and will cover essential topics for enhancing diet, lifestyle, and health. Each session comprises four modules, including activities and homework reviewed by a dietitian. Based on the EMPOWER weight loss program developed by the Nakamura lab for the US population, adjustments will be made to align with Saudi preferences, including food choices and cooking methods. Participants will access these materials online.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Education sessions