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ObesityPROMISENCT06416215

Promoting Positive Mental Health for Sustainable Eating Behaviors

A study testing Psychological intervention based on WBT and cognitive restructuring and Basic Nutritional Intervention in people with Obesity, run by University of Bologna at 1 site in Italy.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The main aim of the present study is to assess the effects and the effectiveness of a psychological intervention based on the principles of well-being therapy (WBT) in promoting weight-loss, sustainable and healthy eating behaviors and an optimal psychological functioning in patients with obesity. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Obesity
What is being tested?
Psychological intervention based on WBT and cognitive restructuring and Basic Nutritional Intervention
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
50 participants
Where
1 siteItaly
Study dates
30 Jan 2024to 31 Dec 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
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Patients are included in the study if they:
  • are affiliated with the Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Unit of Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi;
  • have a BMI ≥ 30;
  • are aged ≥ 18 years;
  • voluntarily agree to participate in the study;
  • have access to a computer and can use it independently.

Who cannot join

  • Patients are excluded from the study if they:
  • do not sign the informed consent to participate in the study;
  • have limited knowledge of the Italian language;
  • have cognitive deficits;
  • meet the diagnostic criteria for one or more of the following psychiatric diagnoses: drug and/or alcohol abuse, psychotic disorders, neuro-cognitive disorders, suicidal behaviors;
  • participate in another weight loss study or program;
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  • take weight loss medications;
  • engage in individual or group psychotherapeutic interventions;
  • have undergone weight loss surgery in the 16 months preceding the study and during the entire study period (approximately five months);
  • (only women) were/are pregnant or were/are planning pregnancy in the 16 months preceding the study and during the entire study period (approximately five months).

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Italy1 site

  • IRCCS-S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna,

    Bologna

Other trials in Italy

About this study

Official title: Promoting Positive Mental Health for Sustainable Eating Behaviors: the PROMISE Study in Patients With Obesity

The main aim of the present study is to assess the effects and the effectiveness of a psychological intervention based on the principles of well-being therapy (WBT) in promoting weight-loss, sustainable and healthy eating behaviors and an optimal psychological functioning in patients with obesity.

Read the detailed description

The primary objective of this pilot study is to assess the effects and the effectiveness, both post-treatment and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups, of a group intervention inspired by the principles of Well-Being Therapy (WBT), combined with a nutritional education, compared to treatment as usual (TAU), namely a Basic Nutritional Intervention (BNI) in a group setting, in terms of weight loss.

The secondary objective is to evaluate the effects and effectiveness of this intervention, both post-treatment and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups, compared to BNI, in promoting healthy and sustainable eating behaviors and an optimal psychological functioning. This includes the promotion of balanced psychological well-being levels and functional eating styles, and the reduction of both psychological distress and dysfunctional justification cognitive mechanisms use.

After being informed about the study and its potential risks, all patients giving written informed consent will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. Both groups will participate in five weekly online group sessions of two hours each.

Conditions
Obesity
Being tested
Psychological intervention based on WBT and cognitive restructuring, Basic Nutritional Intervention
Medical subject headings
Obesity

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Psychological intervention based on WBT and cognitive restructuringOther

    Participants will engage in 6 weekly group session of two hours. One part will be held by a trained dietician and will focus on nutritional education, particularly emphasizing the adoption of healthy and sustainable eating behaviors. The remaining part will be dedicated to a group psychological intervention inspired by the principles of Well-Being Therapy and will be held by a trained psychologist. During these sessions, participants will be introduced to the six dimensions of psychological well-being and will be gradually provided with cognitive-behavioral strategies to enhance psychological well-being and seek a balance between the presented dimensions. Participants will be given cognitive-behavioral tools to recognize justification cognitive mechanisms and replace them with more functional cognitions. These objectives will also be achieved through the use of a food diary to highlight emotions and thoughts experienced during food intake.

  • Basic Nutritional InterventionOther

    Participants will receive treatment as usual (TAU) by participating in 6 weekly group sessions of two hours of a Basic Nutritional Intervention (BNI) held by a trained dietician. This course focuses on promoting healthier lifestyles through nutritional education, diet monitoring using a dedicated food diary, and recommendations for proper physical activity.

Study groups in NCT06416215
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Psychological intervention based on WBT and cognitive restructuringExperimentalSix weekly online sessions of two hours of a psychological intervention based on WBT elements and cognitive restructuring combined with a nutritional education.
Receives: Other: Psychological intervention based on WBT and cognitive restructuring
Basic Nutritional InterventionActive comparatorSix weekly online sessions of two hours of a nutritional education.
Receives: Other: Basic Nutritional Intervention

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change from baseline in weight-loss

    Body weight will be both self-evaluated by patients and will be verified by the medical staff during follow-up visits

    Measured: Baseline, 35 days after starting the intervention, 1 month after finishing the intervention and 3 months after finishing the intervention

Secondary outcomes (5)

  1. Change from baseline in the Sustainable and Healthy Dietary Behaviors (SHDB) questionnaire

    The Sustainable and Healthy Dietary Behaviors (SHDB) is 30-item self-reported questionnaire on a 6-point Likert scale to assess sustainable and healthy dietary behaviors through five dimensions and the total score: food choices, storing, cooking, food consumption and food disposal. For each sub-scale and the total score, scores range from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating more sustainable and healthy eating behaviors (better outcome).

    Measured: Baseline, 35 days after starting the intervention, 1 month after finishing the intervention and 3 months after finishing the intervention

  2. Change from baseline in the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBs)

    The Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBs) is a 42-item self-reported questionnaire on a 6-point Likert scale that assesses psychological well-being through six dimensions: autonomy, personal growth, environmental mastery, purpose in life, acceptance and positive relations with others. For each dimension scores range from 14 to 84, with higher scores indicating higher levels on that specific PWB dimension (better outcome).

    Measured: Baseline, 35 days after starting the intervention, 1 month after finishing the intervention and 3 months after finishing the intervention

  3. Change from baseline in the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ)

    The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) is 33-item self-reported questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale to assess eating styles through three sub-scales: restrictive eating, emotional eating and external eating.

    For each sub-scale scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating higher levels on that specific dimension (worse outcome).

    Measured: Baseline, 35 days after starting the intervention, 1 month after finishing the intervention and 3 months after finishing the intervention

  4. Change from baseline in the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21)

    The Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) is a 21-item self-reported questionnaire on a 4-point Likert scale to assess psychological distress through three subscales: depression, anxiety and stress.

    For each sub-scale scores range from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating higher levels on that specific dimension (worse outcome).

    Measured: Baseline, 35 days after starting the intervention, 1 month after finishing the intervention and 3 months after finishing the intervention

  5. Change from baseline in the use of dysfunctional cognitive justification mechanisms assessed through an ad-hoc form

    An ad-hoc assessment index adapted from a previous study will be used to assess dysfunctional cognitive justification mechanisms through the presentation of three hypothetical scenarios that could pose dilemmas regarding the adherence to a healthy diet. Participants will be asked to assess their level of identification with the scenario (from 1 to 10) and to specify the type of justification most frequently used in similar situations.

    Measured: Baseline, 35 days after starting the intervention, 1 month after finishing the intervention and 3 months after finishing the intervention

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted16 May 2024
  2. Study start30 Jan 2024
  3. Primary completion31 Dec 2024
  4. Study completion31 Dec 2024

Resources

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
None (open label)
Enrolment
50 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06416215
Sponsor's protocol ID
PROMISE_BO_2024
Acronym
PROMISE
Status last verified
Apr 2026
First submitted
9 May 2024
Last updated
30 Apr 2026
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • GBD 2015 Obesity Collaborators; Afshin A, Forouzanfar MH, Reitsma MB, Sur P, Estep K, Lee A, Marczak L, Mokdad AH, Moradi-Lakeh M, Naghavi M, Salama JS, Vos T, Abate KH, Abbafati C, Ahmed MB, Al-Aly Z, Alkerwi A, Al-Raddadi R, Amare AT, Amberbir A, Amegah AK, Amini E, Amrock SM, Anjana RM, Arnlov J, Asayesh H, Banerjee A, Barac A, Baye E, Bennett DA, Beyene AS, Biadgilign S, Biryukov S, Bjertness E, Boneya DJ, Campos-Nonato I, Carrero JJ, Cecilio P, Cercy K, Ciobanu LG, Cornaby L, Damtew SA, Dandona L, Dandona R, Dharmaratne SD, Duncan BB, Eshrati B, Esteghamati A, Feigin VL, Fernandes JC, Furst T, Gebrehiwot TT, Gold A, Gona PN, Goto A, Habtewold TD, Hadush KT, Hafezi-Nejad N, Hay SI, Horino M, Islami F, Kamal R, Kasaeian A, Katikireddi SV, Kengne AP, Kesavachandran CN, Khader YS, Khang YH, Khubchandani J, Kim D, Kim YJ, Kinfu Y, Kosen S, Ku T, Defo BK, Kumar GA, Larson HJ, Leinsalu M, Liang X, Lim SS, Liu P, Lopez AD, Lozano R, Majeed A, Malekzadeh R, Malta DC, Mazidi M, McAlinden C, McGarvey ST, Mengistu DT, Mensah GA, Mensink GBM, Mezgebe HB, Mirrakhimov EM, Mueller UO, Noubiap JJ, Obermeyer CM, Ogbo FA, Owolabi MO, Patton GC, Pourmalek F, Qorbani M, Rafay A, Rai RK, Ranabhat CL, Reinig N, Safiri S, Salomon JA, Sanabria JR, Santos IS, Sartorius B, Sawhney M, Schmidhuber J, Schutte AE, Schmidt MI, Sepanlou SG, Shamsizadeh M, Sheikhbahaei S, Shin MJ, Shiri R, Shiue I, Roba HS, Silva DAS, Silverberg JI, Singh JA, Stranges S, Swaminathan S, Tabares-Seisdedos R, Tadese F, Tedla BA, Tegegne BS, Terkawi AS, Thakur JS, Tonelli M, Topor-Madry R, Tyrovolas S, Ukwaja KN, Uthman OA, Vaezghasemi M, Vasankari T, Vlassov VV, Vollset SE, Weiderpass E, Werdecker A, Wesana J, Westerman R, Yano Y, Yonemoto N, Yonga G, Zaidi Z, Zenebe ZM, Zipkin B, Murray CJL. Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity in 195 Countries over 25 Years. N Engl J Med. 2017 Jul 6;377(1):13-27. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1614362. Epub 2017 Jun 12.

    PubMed 28604169

  • Aguera Z, Lozano-Madrid M, Mallorqui-Bague N, Jimenez-Murcia S, Menchon JM, Fernandez-Aranda F. A review of binge eating disorder and obesity. Neuropsychiatr. 2021 Jun;35(2):57-67. doi: 10.1007/s40211-020-00346-w. Epub 2020 Apr 28.

    PubMed 32346850

  • Alimoradi Z, Golboni F, Griffiths MD, Brostrom A, Lin CY, Pakpour AH. Weight-related stigma and psychological distress: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Nutr. 2020 Jul;39(7):2001-2013. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2019.10.016. Epub 2019 Oct 31.

    PubMed 31732288

  • Bischoff SC, Boirie Y, Cederholm T, Chourdakis M, Cuerda C, Delzenne NM, Deutz NE, Fouque D, Genton L, Gil C, Koletzko B, Leon-Sanz M, Shamir R, Singer J, Singer P, Stroebele-Benschop N, Thorell A, Weimann A, Barazzoni R. Towards a multidisciplinary approach to understand and manage obesity and related diseases. Clin Nutr. 2017 Aug;36(4):917-938. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2016.11.007. Epub 2016 Nov 16.

    PubMed 27890486

  • Bottesi G, Ghisi M, Altoe G, Conforti E, Melli G, Sica C. The Italian version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21: Factor structure and psychometric properties on community and clinical samples. Compr Psychiatry. 2015 Jul;60:170-81. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.04.005. Epub 2015 Apr 15.

    PubMed 25933937

  • Brantley PJ, Stewart DW, Myers VH, Matthews-Ewald MR, Ard JD, Coughlin JW, Jerome GJ, Samuel-Hodge C, Lien LF, Gullion CM, Hollis JF, Svetkey LP, Stevens VJ. Psychosocial predictors of weight regain in the weight loss maintenance trial. J Behav Med. 2014 Dec;37(6):1155-68. doi: 10.1007/s10865-014-9565-6. Epub 2014 Apr 11.

    PubMed 24722826

  • Castelnuovo G, Pietrabissa G, Manzoni GM, Corti S, Ceccarini M, Borrello M, Giusti EM, Novelli M, Cattivelli R, Middleton NA, Simpson SG, Molinari E. Chronic care management of globesity: promoting healthier lifestyles in traditional and mHealth based settings. Front Psychol. 2015 Oct 15;6:1557. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01557. eCollection 2015.

    PubMed 26528215

  • Chu DT, Minh Nguyet NT, Dinh TC, Thai Lien NV, Nguyen KH, Nhu Ngoc VT, Tao Y, Son LH, Le DH, Nga VB, Jurgonski A, Tran QH, Van Tu P, Pham VH. An update on physical health and economic consequences of overweight and obesity. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2018 Nov;12(6):1095-1100. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2018.05.004. Epub 2018 May 5.

    PubMed 29799416

  • da Luz FQ, Hay P, Touyz S, Sainsbury A. Obesity with Comorbid Eating Disorders: Associated Health Risks and Treatment Approaches. Nutrients. 2018 Jun 27;10(7):829. doi: 10.3390/nu10070829.

    PubMed 29954056

  • Dakanalis A, Zanetti MA, Clerici M, Madeddu F, Riva G, Caccialanza R. Italian version of the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Psychometric proprieties and measurement invariance across sex, BMI-status and age. Appetite. 2013 Dec;71:187-95. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2013.08.010. Epub 2013 Aug 30.

    PubMed 23994503

  • Fava GA. Well-being therapy: Treatment manual and clinical applications. Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers. 2016

  • Fava GA. Well-Being Therapy: Current Indications and Emerging Perspectives. Psychother Psychosom. 2016;85(3):136-45. doi: 10.1159/000444114. Epub 2016 Apr 5. No abstract available.

    PubMed 27043240

  • Fischer M, Oberander N, Weimann A. Four main barriers to weight loss maintenance? A quantitative analysis of difficulties experienced by obese patients after successful weight reduction. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2020 Aug;74(8):1192-1200. doi: 10.1038/s41430-020-0559-x. Epub 2020 Jan 30.

    PubMed 32001814

  • Hudson JI, Hiripi E, Pope HG Jr, Kessler RC. The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Feb 1;61(3):348-58. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.03.040. Epub 2006 Jul 3.

    PubMed 16815322

  • Kantartzis K, Machann J, Schick F, Rittig K, Machicao F, Fritsche A, Haring HU, Stefan N. Effects of a lifestyle intervention in metabolically benign and malign obesity. Diabetologia. 2011 Apr;54(4):864-8. doi: 10.1007/s00125-010-2006-3. Epub 2010 Dec 21.

    PubMed 21174075

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Psychological intervention based on WBT and cognitive restructuring and Basic Nutritional Intervention in people with Obesity, run by University of Bologna at 1 site in Italy.

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 6 inclusion and 10 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 30 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Italy. 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?

Change from baseline in weight-loss (time frame: Baseline, 35 days after starting the intervention, 1 month after finishing the intervention and 3 months after finishing the intervention). 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 NCT06416215, which also lists 32 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 30 Apr 2026.

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