Preventing Weight Gain in African American Reproductive-Aged Women

Weight gain is an important health concern, and disparities in the prevalence of obesity
between African American and White women increase throughout the reproductive period. This
study is a randomized, controlled trial testing the feasibility and acceptability of a
peer-coach-administered, Facebook-delivered intervention to prevent weight gain in
overweight and obese African American women. Study visits lasting approximately 1 hour will
occur at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up, to assess effectiveness and
acceptability. The core intervention will occur over a 4-week period. Educational content in
both the weight-gain prevention program and women's health program will be delivered via
Facebook, with new content posted each weekday related to that week's topics. The peer
coaches may contact participants via private messaging, when needed, to provide support and
encourage engagement. If successful, this intervention could be easily disseminated to
populations in under-served and community settings.

Inclusion Criteria:

- African American

- Has Facebook account and uses it, on average, at least once a day

- Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25-45

- Has access to the internet

- Able to consent in English

Exclusion Criteria:

- Currently pregnant or breastfeeding, recently postpartum (within 6 weeks)

- Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus

- History of contraindicated medical conditions or conditions that can affect weight

- Current use of certain medications