WHY CREATE THE S.I.S.T.E.R.S. STUDY?
Having an elevated weight, indicated as overweight or obesity, increases an individual's risk of preventable diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Currently, most black women in the United States have a high weight (82% have overweight of obesity). This high increases black women's risk for preventable diseases.
Yet, weight loss programs have struggled to meet the needs of black women, and there is room to do better. Because of this, Dr. Loneke Blackman Carr designed the Sisters in Support to Eat Right in Step (S.I.S.T.E.R.S.) study to create an opportunity to study a new way to weight loss for black women.
The S.I.S.T.E.R.S. study is a free weight loss research program for black women, designed by a black woman.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE RESEARCH STUDY?
The weight loss research study will compare two hybrid group weight loss programs. In both programs participants will learn how to lose weight through a healthy lifestyle by gaining skills, knowledge, and techniques to eat healthfully and be active. Most sessions will be virtual with monthly in-person sessions in downtown Hartford, Connecticut.
We are seeking 40 eligible women to join the program which will last 4 months. Women will attend 16 group sessions (the first in person) that will last approximately 1 hour. Each session will focus on a topic related to weight loss.
If you are eligible for and enroll in the study, you will be randomly assigned to join 1 of the 2 evidence-based weight loss groups.
YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE IF YOU ARE...
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A woman
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Black/African American/African/Afro-Caribbean
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Are 21-65 years old
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Have a smartphone, laptop or desktop computer
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Reliable internet service
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Have a body mass index of 25-45
Additional criteria do apply.
“[I] Enjoyed the connection with other professional women of color and knowing that others like me also face the challenge of making our health needs a priority.”
— past participant
“I liked just us getting together as a group of black women to talk and discuss about eating right.”
— past participant