Metabolic SyndromeELMNCT04036006
Enhanced Lifestyles for Metabolic Syndrome
A study testing Group-Based Program and Self-Directed Program in people with Metabolic Syndrome, run by Rush University Medical Center at 5 sites in United States.
Trial summary
This is a multi-center behavioral randomized trial with the aim of comparing a group-based lifestyle intervention with a self-directed lifestyle intervention on remission of the metabolic syndrome over 2 years of follow-up. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Metabolic Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Group-Based Program and Self-Directed Program
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 618 participants
- Where
- 5 sitesUnited States
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2019to 29 Mar 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Men and women with metabolic syndrome, defined by the Joint Interim Statement of the IDF, NHLBI, AHA, WHF, IAS, IASO (Alberti, 2009). Note that hemoglobin A1c will be measured as a marker of impaired glucose metabolism, but will not be considered in determining metabolic syndrome status. To meet metabolic syndrome criteria the participant should have ≥ 3 of the following five criteria:
- Waist circumference based on AHA/NHLBI (ATP III) cut points of ≥ 102 cm for men and ≥ 88 cm for women
- Fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL or treatment for elevated triglycerides
- Fasting HDL cholesterol <40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women, or treatment for low HDL
- Systolic blood pressure ≥130 m Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg, or treatment for hypertension
- Fasting plasma glucose 100-125 mg/dL (range inclusive)
- Greater than 18 years of age
Who cannot join
- Unable to walk 2 consecutive blocks without assistance, based on patient report.
- Unwilling, unable, or not ready to make the lifestyle changes prescribed in ELM
- Unwilling to be randomized to either arm of the trial
- Unable or unwilling to give an informed consent, communicate with study staff, or complete the study run-in period. The run-in period requires attending an information session, completing two assessment visits within the scheduled time (potential participant is allowed to reschedule once), wearing an accelerometer, and completing lifestyle logs (see protocol)
- Does not have reliable access to the internet via a computer or mobile device
- Not fluent in English
Show all 30Show fewer
- Current diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or on any diabetes medications except metformin
- Inpatient treatment for a psychiatric condition within the past 6 months, or currently receiving treatment for schizophrenia or other serious psychiatric illness
- Probable major depression, defined as a PHQ-8 score ≥10
- Pregnant women, planning a pregnancy in the next 24 months, given birth in the last 6 months, or currently breastfeeding
- ≥ 30 total days of oral corticosteroid use within the last year, history of solid organ transplant, or history of stem cell transplant
- Problematic use of alcohol and/or recreational drugs based on the ASSIST screening tool (score of ≥27).
- Self-reported or known history of an eating disorder (e.g., binging and purging) in the past 5 years
- Use of weight loss medications (Qsymia, phentermine, etc.) or supplements in the last 3 months, or unwilling to abstain from taking weight loss medications or supplements during the study
- History of bowel resection surgery or bariatric surgery
- Participant does not have, or is unwilling to seek care from, a primary care physician at the time of enrollment
- Any medical condition known to influence the etiology of MetS as judged by the study physician (e.g., uncontrolled hypothyroidism, endocrine hypertension, etc)
- History of major cardiovascular illness, including a) stroke; b) myocardial infarction; c) congestive heart failure requiring hospitalization, or greater than NYHA heart failure class I; d) uncontrolled hypertension (SBP>180 or DBP > 105); e) unstable angina; or f) other major cardiovascular illness which the site PI determines could limit ability to participate in the trial.
- Behavioral/logistical barriers to trial participation or engagement, e.g., a scheduled major surgery, scheduling difficulties, travel plans, moving outside the study area
- Cognitive impairment, defined by a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of ≤25. The MoCA will be administered only when research staff suspect cognitive impairment
- Visual or hearing impairment
- Severe food allergies or food intolerances/preferences that preclude participation in the ELM program
- Currently taking or expecting to take any of the following exclusionary medications:
- Antiretroviral therapy (e.g., HAART)
- Weight loss medications (as in #14)
- Medications known to significantly influence weight or metabolic outcomes
- Diabetes drugs other than metformin (as in #7)
- Participation in any clinical trial, until at least six months following the end of the intervention phase. Individuals in long-term follow-up (over 6 months post intervention) may be enrolled in ELM.
- Cancer treatment within the last 6 months, excluding chemoprophylaxis or treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer.
- Previous participation in an ELM program or currently living with ELM participant.
Trial locations and contacts
5 sites in 1 country.
5 sites in 1 country
United States5 sites
CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center
Aurora, Colorado, 80045
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois, 60612
Geisinger
Danville, Pennsylvania, 17822
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri, 64108
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, New York, 14623
About this study
Official title: A National Trial of the ELM Lifestyle Program and Remission of the Metabolic Syndrome
This is a multi-center behavioral randomized trial with the aim of comparing a group-based lifestyle intervention with a self-directed lifestyle intervention on remission of the metabolic syndrome over 2 years of follow-up.
Read the detailed description
The purpose of this trial is to determine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the Group-Based and Self-Directed ELM lifestyle programs when offered on a national level. A multi-site randomized trial will be conducted on 600 patients with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) by five national sites, each of which will randomize 120 patients to the Group-Based or Self-Directed programs. The Group-Based program targets healthy eating, physical activity, and stress reduction and is based upon neuroscience studies showing that mindful habits provide resilience against the power of emotions to subvert intention, and social science studies showing that sustainability is enhanced by support from a health network. The Self-Directed program represents enhanced usual care based upon what is currently offered in medicine and wearable technology for treatment of adults with MetS and its components. The primary outcome is remission of MetS at 2 years. Secondary outcomes include cost-effectiveness, vegetable intake, physical activity, and mindful awareness.
- Conditions
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Being tested
- Group-Based Program, Self-Directed Program
- Keywords
- Behavioral intervention, Lifestyle
- Medical subject headings
- Metabolic Syndrome
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Group-Based ProgramBehavioural
The Group-based Program uses an ecologically valid setting in which participants exercise, prepare foods, and eat together to facilitate the emergence of old habits and replace them with healthy alternatives. The intervention team consists of a health psychologist, registered dietitian, and health coach. They co-facilitate group meetings for 15 participants that are held weekly for 3 months, bi-weekly for 3 months, and then monthly in participant-led maintenance meetings. Each session includes: weigh-in and physical activity (20 min), cooking demonstration (20 min), and a shared vegetable dish with discussion (50 min). The maintenance phase (months 7 to 24 post randomization) consists of support and health-related topics of the participants' own choosing. Progress reports with lab results are sent to participants and primary care physicians.
Self-Directed ProgramBehavioural
The Self-Directed lifestyle program represents enhanced usual care based upon what is currently offered in primary care in the United States for lifestyle treatments for adults with metabolic syndrome. Usual care is enhanced by: 1) lifestyle education for management of metabolic syndrome provided in evidence-based tip sheets from nationally recognized organizations; 2) provision of a Fitbit for self-monitoring physical activity; 3) access to a website containing all education materials; and 4) progress report letters with lab results sent to participants and primary care physicians after completion of each assessment.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group-Based | Experimental | The Group-based Program uses an ecologically valid setting in which participants exercise, prepare foods, and eat together to facilitate the emergence of old habits and replace them with healthy alternatives. The intervention team consists of a health psychologist, registered dietitian, and health coach. They co-facilitate group meetings for 15 participants that are held weekly for 3 months, bi-weekly for 3 months, and then monthly in participant-led maintenance meetings. Each session includes: weigh-in and physical activity (20 min), cooking demonstration (20 min), and a shared vegetable dish with discussion (50 min). The maintenance phase (months 7 to 24 post randomization) consists of support and health-related topics of the participants' own choosing. Progress reports with lab results are sent to participants and primary care physicians. Receives: Behavioral: Group-Based Program |
| Self-Directed | Active comparator | The Self-Directed lifestyle program represents enhanced usual care based upon what is currently offered in primary care in the United States for lifestyle treatments for adults with metabolic syndrome. Usual care is enhanced by: 1) lifestyle education for management of metabolic syndrome provided in evidence-based tip sheets from nationally recognized organizations; 2) provision of a Fitbit for self-monitoring physical activity; 3) access to a website containing all education materials; and 4) progress report letters with lab results sent to participants and primary care physicians after completion of each assessment Receives: Behavioral: Self-Directed Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Remission of Metabolic Syndrome
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on the proportion of participants who are in remission of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) at 2 years. MetS is defined by the Joint Interim Statement of the IDF, NHLBI, AHA, WHF, IAS, IASO as having 3 or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease. To be considered in remission of MetS the participant must have less than 3 of the following 5 criteria: 1) Waist circumference based on AHA/NHLBI (ATP III) cut points of ≥ 102 cm for men and ≥ 88 cm for women; 2) Fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL or treatment for elevated triglycerides; 3) Fasting HDL cholesterol <40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women, or treatment for low HDL; 4) Systolic blood pressure ≥130 m Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg, or treatment for hypertension; and 5) Fasting plasma glucose 100-125 mg/dL.
Analysis will be performed on pre-determined subgroups: education, sex, site, weight, BMI, MetS severity, race, income # of comorbidities, self-efficacy, and age.
Measured: Measured at 24 months following treatment assignment.
Secondary outcomes (27)
Vegetable consumption
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on the proportion of participants who eat 2 cups of vegetables per day. This will be assessed using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Fruit and Vegetable Intake Screener from the Eating at America's Table Study: All Day Screener.
Measured: Measured at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment
Physical activity
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on the proportion of participants who achieve 150 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity per week. Activity is measured using an accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT) worn on the right hip for 7 days and for at least 10 hours/day.
Measured: Measured at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Facets of Mindfulness
Participants will complete the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. A subscale comprised of 3-facets (observe, act with awareness, and nonreact) will be utilized to measure mindfulness in ELM. Group-Based and Self-Directed arms will be compared on the proportion of participants who improve in a 3-facet mindfulness score of greater than or equal to 1 standard deviation of baseline distribution. The scale range for the 5-facet mindfulness questionnaire is 39-195 with a lower score reflecting less mindfulness. The 3-facet scale range is 23-115 with a lower score reflecting less mindfulness.
Measured: Measuring change from baseline mindfulness at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Habit formation
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on the proportion of participants who improve in habit strength in 4 domains (diet, physical activity, emotional control, and sensory awareness), defined as a mean of ≥ 4 on the Self-Report Habit Index. A 5-point Likert scale will be used with a scale range from 0 to 20. A lower score reflects a weaker habit.
Measured: Measuring at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Cost-effectiveness
Calculate the cost-effectiveness of the Group-Based relative to the Self-Directed programs. Cost-effectiveness will be be quantified by using the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio and will reflect the additional cost of the Group-Based program relative to the Self-Directed Program in its efficacy at promoting a sustained remission of metabolic syndrome.
Measured: Measured over the 24 month patient participant follow-up period
Healthcare utilization
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed programs on health care utilization (primary care visits, specialty care visits, ER visits, hospital admissions). Participants are queried quarterly concerning use of health care services.
Measured: Measured over the 24 month patient participant follow-up period
Cost of Medications
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed programs on the cost of prescribed medications. This will include collecting data on the number of prescribed medications including data on the number of medications and dosage (mg) of each medication.
Measured: Measured at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Number of Prescribed Medications
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed programs on the number of prescribed medications self-reported by participants.
Measured: Measured at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Severity of Metabolic Syndrome
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on the severity of the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). MetS components will be assessed as a continuous sex- and race/ethnicity-specific score (Gurka MJ, Lilly CL, Oliver MN, DeBoer MD. An examination of sex and racial/ethnic differences in the metabolic syndrome among adults: a confirmatory factor analysis and a resulting continuous severity score. Metabolism. 2014;63:218-25).
Measured: Measured at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Weight Loss
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on average weight loss (kg). Weight is recorded in kilograms to the nearest 0.1 kg using a flat scale.
Measured: Measuring change from baseline at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
≥ 5% body weight loss
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on the proportion of participants with ≥ 5% loss of baseline weight (kg). Weight is recorded in kilograms to the nearest 0.1 kg using a flat scale.
Measured: Measuring change from baseline at 6,15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Body Mass Index
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on Body Mass Index (BMI). Height will be recorded in cm to nearest 0.25 cm and weight recorded in kg to nearest 0.1 kg. BMI = weight (kg) / height squared (m)
Measured: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Blood Pressure (metabolic syndrome component)
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on the blood pressure component of the Metabolic Syndrome as defined by the Joint Interim Statement of the IDF, NHLBI, AHA, WHF, IAS, IASO. The criteria for blood pressure is met when systolic blood pressure ≥130 m Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg, or self-reported treatment for hypertension.
Average of 3 seated resting blood pressure measurements using NHANES protocol and cuff sizes based on arm circumference. Device is OMRON HEM-907XL
Cuff sizes:
Small (17.0-22.0 cm) Medium/Adult (22.1-32.0 cm) Large (32.1-42.0 cm) Extra Large (42.0-50.0 cm)
Measured: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Waist Circumference (metabolic syndrome component)
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on the waist circumference component of the Metabolic Syndrome as defined by the Joint Interim Statement of the IDF, NHLBI, AHA, WHF, IAS, IASO. The criteria is based on AHA/NHLBI (ATP III) cut points of ≥ 102 cm for men and ≥ 88 cm for women.
Waist circumference will be measured using a tape measure, following the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute waist circumference assessment guidelines.
Measured: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Triglycerides (metabolic syndrome component)
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on the triglyceride component of the Metabolic Syndrome as defined by the Joint Interim Statement of the IDF, NHLBI, AHA, WHF, IAS, IASO. The criteria for elevated triglyceride levels are fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL or treatment for elevated triglycerides.
A fasting blood sample will be sent to Quest diagnostics for analysis.
Measured: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) Cholesterol (metabolic syndrome component)
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on the HDL cholesterol component of the Metabolic Syndrome as defined by the Joint Interim Statement of the IDF, NHLBI, AHA, WHF, IAS, IASO. The criteria for low HDL are fasting HDL cholesterol <40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women, or treatment for low HDL.
A fasting blood sample will be sent to Quest diagnostics for analysis.
Measured: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Fasting Plasma Glucose (metabolic syndrome component)
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on each of the five components of the Metabolic Syndrome as defined by the Joint Interim Statement of the IDF, NHLBI, AHA, WHF, IAS, IASO. Fasting plasma glucose 100-125 mg/dL (range inclusive) is considered a component of the metabolic syndrome. A fasting blood sample will be sent to Quest diagnostics for analysis.
Measured: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Frequency of Contacts within Health network
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on the frequency of contacts within participants' health network.
Measured: Measuring change from baseline at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Energy and vitality Index
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on the energy and vitality subscale from the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) version 1. The scale range is 0 to 100 with a low score reflecting a lower energy and vitality.
Measured: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Perceived stress
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on change of perceived stress score from baseline using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. The scale range is from 0 to 40. A lower score reflects lower levels of stress.
Measured: Measuring change from baseline at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Depressive symptoms
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on change of depressive symptoms from baseline using the 8-item self-report Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-8). This scale ranges from 0 to 24 with a lower score reflecting less (or no) depressive symptoms.
Measured: Measuring change from baseline at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Social support for diet
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on social support for diet. The Social Support for Diet Survey assesses the level of support individuals making health-behavior changes (eating habits) feel they receive from family and friends. This scale is divided into two subscales: 1) encouragement from family and friends and 2) discouragement from family and friends. The Encouragement subscale ranges from 5 to 25 with a lower score reflecting less encouragement (negative outcome). The Discouragement subscale ranges from 5 to 25 with a lower score reflecting less discouragement (positive outcome).
Measured: Measured at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Social support for exercise
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on social support for exercise. The Social Support for Exercise Survey assesses the level of support individuals making health-behavior changes (exercise) feel they receive from family and friends. This questionnaire includes two subscales: 1) Participation and 2) Family Rewards and Punishment. The Participation subscale ranges from 10-50 with a low score reflecting less participation of family and friends (negative outcome). The Family Rewards and Punishment subscale ranges from 3 to 15 with a lower score reflecting increased family rewards (positive outcome).
Measured: Measured at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Hemoglobin A1c levels
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on Hemoglobin A1c levels. A blood assay will be analyzed by Quest Diagnostics. Standard safety procedures are used in performing the participant blood draw required for this measure.
Measured: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Sugar-sweetened beverages
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on frequency of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System - Beverage Items.
Measured: Assessed during in-person participant assessments conducted at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Eating competence
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on eating competence using the 16-item Eating Competence Survey. The scale ranges from 0 to 48 with a higher score reflecting a better outcome.
Measured: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Impact of pandemic
Compare results between participants in Wave 1 and those in Waves 2, 3, \& 4. on the primary outcome at 2 years. MetS is defined by the Joint Interim Statement of the IDF, NHLBI, AHA, WHF, IAS, IASO as having 3 or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease. To be considered in remission of MetS the participant must have less than 3 of the following 5 criteria: 1) Waist circumference based on AHA/NHLBI (ATP III) cut points of ≥ 102 cm for men and ≥ 88 cm for women; 2) Fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL or treatment for elevated triglycerides; 3) Fasting HDL cholesterol <40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women, or treatment for low HDL; 4) Systolic blood pressure ≥130 m Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg, or treatment for hypertension; and 5) Fasting plasma glucose 100-125 mg/dL.
Analysis will be performed on pre-determined subgroups: education, sex, site, weight, BMI, MetS severity, race, income # of comorbidities, self-efficacy, and age.
Measured: Measured at 24 months following treatment assignment.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Jul 2019
- Study start1 Jul 2019
- Primary completion29 Mar 2024
- Study completion29 Mar 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Metabolic SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Rush University Medical CenterThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 618 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Rush University Medical Center
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- University of Colorado, Denver, Geisinger Clinic, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Missouri, Kansas City
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Lynda Powell, PhD, MEd, Rush University Medical Center
- Investigators
- Lynda Powell, PhD, Study chair, Rush University Medical CenterSumihiro Suzuki, PhD, Study director, Rush University Medical Center
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04036006
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 18092408
- Acronym
- ELM
- Status last verified
- Jun 2024
- First submitted
- 18 Apr 2019
- Last updated
- 11 Jun 2024
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Powell LH, Berkley-Patton J, Drees BM, Karavolos K, Lohse B, Masters KS, Nicklas JM, Rothschild SK, Yeh C, Zimmermann LJ, Suzuki S; ELM Trial Research Group. Lifestyle Intervention for Sustained Remission of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2026 Jan 1;186(1):67-77. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.5900.
PubMed 41207299Chamberlain ER, Powell LH, Karavolos K, Daniels BT, Trabold N, Wilson CL, Nicklas JM, Masters KS. Association between self-reported behavioral habits and their respective behavioral risk factors in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Appetite. 2026 Jan 1;216:108255. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2025.108255. Epub 2025 Aug 5.
PubMed 40754145Yeh C, Crane MM, Daniels B, Lohse B, Karavolos K, Olinger T, Nicklas J, Powell LH, Suzuki S. Factors associated with male recruitment in a multi-site randomized behavioral clinical trial targeting the metabolic syndrome: analysis of screening and recruitment data from the ELM trial. Trials. 2024 Dec 21;25(1):844. doi: 10.1186/s13063-024-08703-8.
PubMed 39707544
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 Jun 2024. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A National Trial of the ELM Lifestyle Program and Remission of the Metabolic Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04036006
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ELM / 18092408
- Conditions
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Keywords
- Behavioral intervention, Lifestyle
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 618 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Rush University Medical CenterUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- University of Colorado, Denver, Geisinger Clinic, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Missouri, Kansas City
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2019 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 29 Mar 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 29 Mar 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 29 Jul 2019 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This is a multi-center behavioral randomized trial with the aim of comparing a group-based lifestyle intervention with a self-directed lifestyle intervention on remission of the metabolic syndrome over 2 years of follow-up.
Detailed description
The purpose of this trial is to determine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the Group-Based and Self-Directed ELM lifestyle programs when offered on a national level. A multi-site randomized trial will be conducted on 600 patients with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) by five national sites, each of which will randomize 120 patients to the Group-Based or Self-Directed programs. The Group-Based program targets healthy eating, physical activity, and stress reduction and is based upon neuroscience studies showing that mindful habits provide resilience against the power of emotions to subvert intention, and social science studies showing that sustainability is enhanced by support from a health network. The Self-Directed program represents enhanced usual care based upon what is currently offered in medicine and wearable technology for treatment of adults with MetS and its components. The primary outcome is remission of MetS at 2 years. Secondary outcomes include cost-effectiveness, vegetable intake, physical activity, and mindful awareness.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group-Based | Experimental | Behavioral: Group-Based ProgramThe Group-based Program uses an ecologically valid setting in which participants exercise, prepare foods, and eat together to facilitate the emergence of old habits and replace them with healthy alternatives. The intervention team consists of a health psychologist, registered dietitian, and health coach. They co-facilitate group meetings for 15 participants that are held weekly for 3 months, bi-weekly for 3 months, and then monthly in participant-led maintenance meetings. Each session includes: weigh-in and physical activity (20 min), cooking demonstration (20 min), and a shared vegetable dish with discussion (50 min). The maintenance phase (months 7 to 24 post randomization) consists of support and health-related topics of the participants' own choosing. Progress reports with lab results are sent to participants and primary care physicians. |
| Self-Directed | Active comparator | Behavioral: Self-Directed ProgramThe Self-Directed lifestyle program represents enhanced usual care based upon what is currently offered in primary care in the United States for lifestyle treatments for adults with metabolic syndrome. Usual care is enhanced by: 1) lifestyle education for management of metabolic syndrome provided in evidence-based tip sheets from nationally recognized organizations; 2) provision of a Fitbit for self-monitoring physical activity; 3) access to a website containing all education materials; and 4) progress report letters with lab results sent to participants and primary care physicians after completion of each assessment |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Men and women with metabolic syndrome, defined by the Joint Interim Statement of the IDF, NHLBI, AHA, WHF, IAS, IASO (Alberti, 2009). Note that hemoglobin A1c will be measured as a marker of impaired glucose metabolism, but will not be considered in determining metabolic syndrome status. To meet metabolic syndrome criteria the participant should have ≥ 3 of the following five criteria:
- Greater than 18 years of age
Key exclusion criteria (30 listed)
- Unable to walk 2 consecutive blocks without assistance, based on patient report.
- Unwilling, unable, or not ready to make the lifestyle changes prescribed in ELM
- Unwilling to be randomized to either arm of the trial
- Unable or unwilling to give an informed consent, communicate with study staff, or complete the study run-in period. The run-in period requires attending an information session, completing two assessment visits within the scheduled time (potential participant is allowed to reschedule once), wearing an accelerometer, and completing lifestyle logs (see protocol)
- Does not have reliable access to the internet via a computer or mobile device
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Group-Based ProgramThe Group-based Program uses an ecologically valid setting in which participants exercise, prepare foods, and eat together to facilitate the emergence of old habits and replace them with healthy alternatives. The intervention team consists of a health psychologist, registered dietitian, and health coach. They co-facilitate group meetings for 15 participants that are held weekly for 3 months, bi-weekly for 3 months, and then monthly in participant-led maintenance meetings. Each session includes: weigh-in and physical activity (20 min), cooking demonstration (20 min), and a shared vegetable dish with discussion (50 min). The maintenance phase (months 7 to 24 post randomization) consists of support and health-related topics of the participants' own choosing. Progress reports with lab results are sent to participants and primary care physicians. | Behavioural | Group-Based |
| Self-Directed ProgramThe Self-Directed lifestyle program represents enhanced usual care based upon what is currently offered in primary care in the United States for lifestyle treatments for adults with metabolic syndrome. Usual care is enhanced by: 1) lifestyle education for management of metabolic syndrome provided in evidence-based tip sheets from nationally recognized organizations; 2) provision of a Fitbit for self-monitoring physical activity; 3) access to a website containing all education materials; and 4) progress report letters with lab results sent to participants and primary care physicians after completion of each assessment. | Behavioural | Self-Directed |
Primary outcome
Remission of Metabolic Syndrome
Time frame: Measured at 24 months following treatment assignment.
Compare the Group-Based and Self-Directed arms on the proportion of participants who are in remission of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) at 2 years. MetS is defined by the Joint Interim Statement of the IDF, NHLBI, AHA, WHF, IAS, IASO as having 3 or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease. To be considered in remission of MetS the participant must have less than 3 of the following 5 criteria: 1) Waist circumference based on AHA/NHLBI (ATP III) cut points of ≥ 102 cm for men and ≥ 88 cm for women; 2) Fasting triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL or treatment for elevated triglycerides; 3) Fasting HDL cholesterol <40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women, or treatment for low HDL; 4) Systolic blood pressure ≥130 m Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg, or treatment for hypertension; and 5) Fasting plasma glucose 100-125 mg/dL. Analysis will be performed on pre-determined subgroups: education, sex, site, weight, BMI, MetS severity, race, income # of comorbidities, self-efficacy, and age.
27 secondary outcomes
Vegetable consumption
Time frame: Measured at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment
Physical activity
Time frame: Measured at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Facets of Mindfulness
Time frame: Measuring change from baseline mindfulness at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Habit formation
Time frame: Measuring at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Cost-effectiveness
Time frame: Measured over the 24 month patient participant follow-up period
Healthcare utilization
Time frame: Measured over the 24 month patient participant follow-up period
Cost of Medications
Time frame: Measured at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Number of Prescribed Medications
Time frame: Measured at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Severity of Metabolic Syndrome
Time frame: Measured at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Weight Loss
Time frame: Measuring change from baseline at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
≥ 5% body weight loss
Time frame: Measuring change from baseline at 6,15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Body Mass Index
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Blood Pressure (metabolic syndrome component)
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Waist Circumference (metabolic syndrome component)
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Triglycerides (metabolic syndrome component)
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) Cholesterol (metabolic syndrome component)
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Fasting Plasma Glucose (metabolic syndrome component)
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Frequency of Contacts within Health network
Time frame: Measuring change from baseline at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Energy and vitality Index
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Perceived stress
Time frame: Measuring change from baseline at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Depressive symptoms
Time frame: Measuring change from baseline at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Social support for diet
Time frame: Measured at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Social support for exercise
Time frame: Measured at 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Hemoglobin A1c levels
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Sugar-sweetened beverages
Time frame: Assessed during in-person participant assessments conducted at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Eating competence
Time frame: Measured at baseline and 6, 15, and 24 months following treatment assignment.
Impact of pandemic
Time frame: Measured at 24 months following treatment assignment.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 11 Jun 2024.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41207299Powell LH, Berkley-Patton J, Drees BM, Karavolos K, Lohse B, Masters KS, Nicklas JM, Rothschild SK, Yeh C, Zimmermann LJ, Suzuki S; ELM Trial Research Group. Lifestyle Intervention for Sustained Remission of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2026 Jan 1;186(1):67-77. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.5900.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40754145Chamberlain ER, Powell LH, Karavolos K, Daniels BT, Trabold N, Wilson CL, Nicklas JM, Masters KS. Association between self-reported behavioral habits and their respective behavioral risk factors in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Appetite. 2026 Jan 1;216:108255. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2025.108255. Epub 2025 Aug 5.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 39707544Yeh C, Crane MM, Daniels B, Lohse B, Karavolos K, Olinger T, Nicklas J, Powell LH, Suzuki S. Factors associated with male recruitment in a multi-site randomized behavioral clinical trial targeting the metabolic syndrome: analysis of screening and recruitment data from the ELM trial. Trials. 2024 Dec 21;25(1):844. doi: 10.1186/s13063-024-08703-8.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Lynda Powell, PhD study chair
Rush University Medical Center
Sumihiro Suzuki, PhD study director
Rush University Medical Center
5 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Group-Based Program and Self-Directed Program in people with Metabolic Syndrome, run by Rush University Medical Center at 5 sites in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 30 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Jun 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 5 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Remission of Metabolic Syndrome (time frame: Measured at 24 months following treatment assignment.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04036006, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Jun 2024.