# Randomized Explanatory Trial of a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Weight Loss Intervention for Primary Care Practices

> **NIH NIH R33** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2021 · $43,926

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
In the United States, approximately 43 % of adult men are affected by obesity (body mass index (BMI)>30 kg/m2).
In 2017, heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke were among the top five causes of
mortality among men, each associated with obesity.2 To improve or reduce risk factors associated with these
conditions, modest weight loss of 5-10% is often prescribed through behavioral weight loss interventions. Yet,
despite obesity-linked mortality among men, male participation in weight loss interventions (27%) is considerably
low. Preliminary data have shown that when Black men do participate in weight loss interventions, alone and
with their spouses, they experience successful weight loss. However, the motivations, behaviors and strategies
associated with successful weight loss are not well understood nor studied among men across racial/ethnic
groups. Identifying these motivations, behaviors and strategies is essential to increase participation in weight
loss interventions as well as to improve weight loss strategies for men. Behaviors associated with weight loss
and weight maintenance are influenced by individual, social and environmental factors. Understanding the social
and environmental factors and their interactions has been understudied when compared to individual level
factors. For men, it is suggested that family plays a role because behaviors associated with weight loss and
weight maintenance typically occur within the family behavioral context. Women are often tasked with the
responsibility of directing the home environment and family behaviors, especially regarding the purchasing of
food and preparation of meals. As a result, weight loss interventions typically target women. This approach fails
to address the influence male members in the family have on weight and weight related behaviors not only for
themselves but other family members within the household. Gaining insight into how the family behavioral
context and family interactions influence behavior will be important in designing family centered weight loss
intervention where the male is the index partner. Our long-term goal is to develop weight loss interventions
designed specifically for men that lead to weight loss maintained over time among themselves and family
members. Using a mixed methods approach, the proposed supplemental research will identify the factors
associated with successful weight loss among men in a family behavior context in the weight loss phase of the
DELISH study. DELISH is a weight loss intervention testing the efficacy of a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern,
adapted for a southeastern United States population, enrolling at least 40% males to address the low male
participation in weight loss studies. The central hypothesis is that specific social factors related tofamily dynamics
and functioning are associated with weight loss among men. Our aim is to learn more about these factors to
inform future interventions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10320207
- **Project number:** 3R33HL142680-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** THOMAS C KEYSERLING
- **Activity code:** R33 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $43,926
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2021-04-10 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10320207

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10320207, Randomized Explanatory Trial of a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Weight Loss Intervention for Primary Care Practices (3R33HL142680-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10320207. Licensed CC0.

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