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New study tests a smarter way to beat the Yo-Yo diet cycle
NCT ID NCT03014414
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compared two behavioral weight-loss programs in 321 adults with obesity and elevated blood pressure. One program taught maintenance skills before weight loss, while the other focused on losing weight first. Participants were followed for three years to see who could lose at least 7% of their body weight and keep it off. The goal is to find better ways to sustain weight loss and reduce heart disease risk.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- behavioral weight-management programs (Fun First and Weight Watchers)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward more effective strategies for long-term weight maintenance in people with obesity.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed behavioral study, not a drug trial. Results may not apply to everyone, and weight regain is common. The interventions require ongoing effort.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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321 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Mar 2017
- Finished
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Jan 2022
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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21 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria (BMI): * 27 \<= BMI \< 45 kg/m2 Inclusion Criteria (Elevated Blood Pressure): * Systolic blood pressure between 120-159 mmHg OR diastolic blood pressure between 80-99 mmHg. Can be on \>=1 antihypertensive medications if on stable dose for past 3 months * Systolic blood pressure \<120 mmHg OR diastolic blood pressure \<80 mmHg, if on stable dose of \>=1 antihypertensive medications for past 3 months Exclusion Criteria (Blood Pressure): * Elevated blood pressure: Systolic blood pressure \>=160 mmHg OR diastolic blood pressure \>=100 mmHg Exclusion Criteria (Underlying medical conditions/diseases): * Have had a heart attack, stroke, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, or angina * Have had coronary artery bypass surgery or cardiac catheterization such as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), cath or stent placement * Have diabetes * Have medical contraindications to regular, unsupervised physical activity * Have moderate to severe asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (also called emphysema or chronic bronchitis) * Had cancer in the past 5 years (except non-melanoma skin cancer) * Currently under medical care for digestive issues, gastrointestinal distress, abdominal pain, or diarrhea * Had an organ transplant Exclusion Criteria (Medications): * Not stable on medications over the past 3 months (e.g., cholesterol, thyroid, estrogen-hormone, psychiatric) * Currently taking prescription pain medications (e.g., Vicodin, Oxycodone) Exclusion Criteria (Weight and diet related): * Have binge eating disorder or bulimic compensatory symptoms * Currently taking medication designed to lose weight * Have undergone weight-loss surgery (e.g., gastric bypass, lap band) * Have lost \>10 pounds in the past 6 months * Currently in a weight-loss program (e.g., Jenny Craig) * Currently participating in any support groups that focus on weight or eating habits (e.g., Overeaters Anonymous) * Currently on a special diet for a serious health condition * Not willing to discontinue a special diet (e.g., Atkins) Exclusion Criteria (Behavioral related): * Planning to move in the next year * Currently pregnant or planning to be within the next year * Participating in another research study * No regular access to a mobile phone and Internet * Not able to speak, read, or understand English for informed consent * Not willing to be randomized * Did not complete eligibility process successfully or in a timely manner * Staff discretion or judgement * Live within Bay Area (e.g., \~1-hour commute from Stanford research center)
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Stanford University School of Medicine
Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States
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