Youth Weight Loss Research Study
A clinical study designed to support teens toward a healthier relationship with food, sleep, and self-care.
Fast Facts
Of Higher Weight and Wants to Lose Weight
Teens 14-19 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Wilmington, DE & Nationwide
Study Background
Exploring how lifestyle changes can support healthy weight loss in adolescents
Adolescence is a critical time for developing lifelong habits around food, movement, and self-image. That’s why researchers at Nemours Children’s Health are leading two innovative studies—Project WATCH and Project STAR—designed to support teens in building healthier relationships with food, improving body image, and learning effective stress and sleep management strategies.
Project WATCH is a randomized controlled trial offering two in-person programs over six months: one focused on acceptance-based healthy lifestyle changes, and the other on health education. Project STAR is a fully virtual, 12-week group program that combines weight loss coaching with sleep support. Both studies include assessments, interviews, and personalized guidance—and are designed to meet teens where they are, with flexibility and care.
Study Background
Building healthy relationships with food and exercise can be tough for teens!
We’re currently conducting two research studies:
- A hybrid (in-person and remote), 6-month, evidence-based program for teen girls to build healthy eating habits, improve body image, and reduce stress.
- A fully remote study aimed at improving eating and sleeping patterns among teens.
If you think you or your teen might be eligible, apply today! Once you fill out the screening form, our team can decide which study is a good fit for you.
The WELL Center’s Child and Adolescent Program provides many specialty treatments to better regulate adolescents’ eating and/or weight through ongoing research. Some information about our research program:
- We offer programs for eating disorder or weight management
- All programs provided are free
- None of our programs include medications
- Many programs can be completed entirely from home, and others are in-person
Additional Information
This study is being done to explore how teens can build healthier relationships with food, improve sleep and stress management, and achieve sustainable weight loss through supportive, evidence-based programs. Researchers aim to better understand which lifestyle strategies are most effective for adolescents navigating these challenges.
Eligibility for you or your child depends on meeting the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Teens aged 14 to 19 years old
- Interested in reducing weight or improving their relationship with food
- Not currently taking weight loss medications
- Able to participate in either in-person sessions (Project WATCH) or virtual sessions (Project STAR) depending on location and availability
- Fluent in English
- BMI percentile ≥ 85th percentile for sex-and-age
Exclusion Criteria:
Currently taking insulin or a weight loss medication
Diagnosis of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa
Currently pregnant or less than 3 months post-partum
If you/ your child joins the study, you will participate in either a 6-month in-person program or a 12-week virtual program focused on healthy lifestyle changes, weight loss, and sleep support. You’ll also complete study assessments—including surveys, interviews, and health measurements—before, during, and after the program to help researchers understand what works best for teens.
Project WATCH: Participants can be compensated up to $445 for their participation in this study.
Project STAR: Participants can be compensated up to $290 for their participation in this study.
There is no cost for you/ your child to participate in our research study.
For questions regarding the rights of research patients call the Nemours Office of Human Subjects Protection: 302-298-7613 or email at NOHSP@nemours.org.